Trade trumps geopolitics as Australia PM visits China

July 11, 2025

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is visiting China for a six-day trip spanning Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu to strengthen ties with Australia's largest trading partner. The visit, Albanese's second to China but first since his re-election in May, will focus on regional security and trade issues as both countries navigate their relationship amid global tensions. China accounts for nearly a third of Australia's total trade, with Albanese emphasizing that "the relationship in China means jobs in Australia.

Who is affected

Australian workers and businesses dependent on trade with China
Australian mining companies (Rio Tinto, BHP, Fortescue) and financial institutions (Macquarie Bank, HSBC's Australian arm)
Australian novelist Yang Hengjun, jailed in China
Australian cultural organizations and universities engaged with China
Australian manufacturing sector that Albanese pledged to revitalize

What action is being taken

Prime Minister Albanese is conducting a six-day visit to three Chinese cities
Albanese is meeting with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji (chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress)
Top executives from major Australian companies are accompanying Albanese as part of his delegation
Australia's government is pursuing a policy to "cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest"
Australia is maintaining its criticism of China's military buildup while simultaneously working to stabilize the broader relationship

Why it matters

China accounts for nearly one-third of Australia's total trade and will remain so "for the foreseeable future"
The relationship with China directly impacts Australian jobs and economic prosperity
The visit represents a continuation of improved relations after a seven-year hiatus in high-level visits that ended in November 2023
The trip demonstrates Australia's attempt to balance its traditional alliances (like AUKUS) with its economic interests with China
This diplomatic approach allows various sectors beyond politics (businesses, cultural organizations, universities) to "forge ahead with engagement"

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC