Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s four-day visit to Australia focuses on addressing trade tensions, human rights issues, military incidents, regional security concerns, and exploring climate cooperation. The visit aims to mend diplomatic and economic relations while highlighting China’s interest in critical minerals and wildlife diplomacy.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s Visit to Australia Focuses on Diplomacy and Trade
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has commenced a four-day visit to Australia, marking the first visit by a Chinese premier since 2017. The visit aims to mend diplomatic and economic relations and includes stops in Adelaide, Canberra, and Perth.
Key Points of the Visit:
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Trade and Diplomacy: Li’s trip follows a period of strained relations beginning in 2020, which saw China implementing several trade restrictions on Australian exports such as coal, wine, and barley. Issues arose from political decisions made by Australia’s former conservative government. During his visit, Li will meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra to discuss further lifting remaining trade restrictions, particularly on live lobsters and red meat.
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Human Rights Issues: Albanese is expected to bring forth human rights concerns, notably the cases of Australian writer Dr. Yang Hengjun and Australian-Hong Kong dual national Gordon Ng, both detained in China.
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Military Tensions: Recent confrontations between the Australian Defence Force and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the South China Sea and Yellow Sea will also be addressed. Albanese plans to discuss these incidents, including a PLA fighter jet’s alleged endangerment of an Australian helicopter and sonar pulses aimed at Australian divers.
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Regional Security: Discussions are anticipated on regional security matters, including China’s activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. The visit may also touch upon global security issues, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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Climate Cooperation: The two countries are likely to explore opportunities for collaboration on climate change initiatives.
In Adelaide, Li will engage in “panda diplomacy,” expected to announce new giant pandas for Adelaide Zoo, whose current pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, are set to return to China later this year. Li will also visit a lithium processing plant in Western Australia, emphasizing China’s interest in critical minerals vital for renewable energy technologies.
Li’s visit to Australia comes after his trip to New Zealand and will be followed by a visit to Malaysia. The efforts aim to stabilize and enhance bilateral relationships across the Indo-Pacific region.