UPDATE: In a critical meeting today, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese raised alarms over China’s military drills near Australian waters in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping that focused on enhancing trade ties. The meeting, held in Beijing, comes amid escalating tensions concerning China’s military presence and its implications for regional security.
During the discussion, Albanese expressed serious concerns regarding the military exercises, including live-fire drills conducted by the Chinese naval fleet, spotted in Australian waters back in March 2023. The Prime Minister stated, “I stressed the need for peace and security in the region,” highlighting the urgency of the situation as Australia was unaware of the drills until a commercial airline pilot encountered radio warnings mid-flight.
Despite the pressing military concerns, Albanese revealed that he did not address the contentious issue of the Port of Darwin, which China currently leases for 99 years. When asked if this topic was discussed, he bluntly replied, “No, it wasn’t raised.” The Australian Government has faced criticism for its intentions to revoke the lease amidst rising tensions over Taiwan and US influence on Australia.
The meeting also marked a significant effort to strengthen economic ties, as both leaders emphasized the importance of trade. “China is our major trading partner,” Albanese stated, noting that more than one in four of Australia’s export dollars are directed to China, while trade with the United States accounts for less than 5 percent.
Xi praised the “mutually beneficial cooperation” between Australia and China, emphasizing the need to maintain economic ties amidst global uncertainties. He stated, “No matter how the international landscape may evolve, we should uphold this overall direction unswervingly.” The warm reception included a red carpet welcome and a lunch invitation for Albanese and his fiancée, Jodie Haydon.
As the two leaders exchanged pleasantries, the backdrop of rising US-China tensions loomed large. Albanese reiterated Australia’s longstanding position on Taiwan during the meeting but confirmed that Xi did not express concerns regarding US pressures on Australia.
The Prime Minister also raised the case of detained Chinese-Australian writer Dr. Yang Hengjun, who faces espionage charges in China. Albanese acknowledged that no immediate resolution was anticipated.
The meeting is part of a broader agenda aimed at resetting relations that had soured during the previous Australian government due to disputes over trade and the COVID-19 pandemic. The anticipated discussions will continue as Albanese prepares to meet with Chinese Premier Li this week, with expectations of tangible outcomes.
In a parallel event, the Australian-China CEO Roundtable will take place, gathering business leaders from both nations to discuss revitalizing economic cooperation. This marks the first roundtable featuring an Australian Prime Minister in nearly a decade. Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black emphasized the significance of high-level engagements to foster business-to-business partnerships, saying, “One in four Australian jobs is dependent upon trade.”
With over $20 billion in trade impediments recently lifted, the exchange of goods and services between Australia and China reached an impressive $312 billion last year. The upcoming discussions represent a pivotal opportunity to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including agribusiness and financial services.
As global trade dynamics shift, the coalition of business leaders aims to navigate uncertainties and promote closer ties, underscoring the urgency of collaboration in today’s complex landscape. Albanese’s visit and the ensuing talks are seen as crucial steps towards stabilizing and strengthening Australia-China relations.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
