Chinese President, Australian PM Drive Trade Relaunch
(MENAFN) Chinese President Xi Jinping and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met in Beijing on Tuesday to intensify trade cooperation despite ongoing disputes over regional security and human rights issues, according to reports from Chinese and Australian media outlets.
Xi highlighted that China-Australia relations have "turned around" following a difficult phase between 2020 and 2022 when diplomatic ties were severely strained, an Australian broadcasting agency reported.
He noted that bilateral relations "rose from that setback and turned around," generating "tangible benefits" for both nations' populations.
Xi emphasized that this progress underscores the value of a "commitment to equal treatment" and "seeking common ground while sharing differences."
The phrase "equal treatment" likely alludes to Beijing’s frequent grievances over Canberra’s restrictions on Chinese investments, including the federal government's decision to revoke Chinese firm Landbridge’s control of the Port of Darwin.
It may also subtly reference the tariffs imposed during US President Donald Trump’s tenure, dubbed the "Liberation Day tariffs."
Xi stressed that "seeking common ground while setting aside differences" aligns with "the fundamental interests of our two countries and our two peoples.”
As the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership enters its second decade, Xi expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with Australia to deepen ties for stable development and greater mutual benefits, a news agency reported from Beijing.
"The most important insight this gives us is that treating each other as equals, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and engaging in mutually beneficial cooperation serve the fundamental interests of both China and Australia and the two peoples," Xi said.
In response, Albanese, currently on a week-long visit to China, told Xi that keeping dialogue "at the center of our relationship" is essential to helping both nations "maintain peace, security, stability and prosperity in our region."
He also expressed gratitude to Xi for the "great honor" of hosting him and his partner, Jodie Haydon, at a luncheon following the talks—a move Chinese analysts interpret as a "fairly clear signal" from the president.
This marks Albanese’s second visit to China since his center-left Labor Party took office in 2022, following a decisive reelection victory in May.
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