Albanese visits China to boost ties amid trade and security talks

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is visiting China for six days, covering Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, to strengthen ties with Australia’s largest trading partner. He will meet President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and top legislator Zhao Leji, with trade and regional security high on the agenda, according to BBC.

Albanese said his government will “cooperate where we can, disagree where we must,” and act in Australia’s national interest. The trip follows his re-election and aims to reinforce economic ties—China accounts for nearly a third of Australia’s trade.

The visit includes top Australian business leaders and signals a stabilisation in relations after years of tensions and trade sanctions. Cooperation on green energy, while maintaining Australia’s commitment to Aukus despite Chinese criticism, will also be discussed.

Analysts say both countries are targeting stable connections rather than geopolitical alignment, with mature diplomacy permitting involvement in commerce, education, and culture—despite continued disagreements over China's military growth and the arrest of Australian writer Yang Hengjun, BBC reported.