CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australian Prime Minister is set to make a significant trip to Asia in the coming weeks. Albanese’s office announced on Sunday that he will visit China in early November, making him the first Australian prime minister to do so in the past seven years. However, before departing for China, Albanese will first be flying to the United States to meet with President .
Albanese’s visit to China comes as a breakthrough in a trade dispute between the two countries. China has agreed to review the tariffs it had placed on Australian wine since 2020, which had severely impacted the wine industry’s biggest export market. This development has eased tensions and could potentially lead to the resumption of trade between the two nations.
“It’s in Australia’s best interest to maintain good relations with China. However, my immediate focus will be on my visit to the United States,” Albanese stated during a press conference at the Australian Parliament House. He emphasized the importance of the visit to the US, highlighting the upgraded alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS). This partnership reflects their shared values, commitment to democracy, and support for the international rule of law.
One of the central aspects of the AUKUS arrangements is the cooperation between the US, the UK, and Australia to provide Australia with a fleet of submarines utilizing US nuclear technology, as a response to China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.
During his visit to China, Albanese is scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing. He will also attend the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, focusing on strengthening economic ties between the two countries. This visit marks a significant milestone in improving bilateral relations since the Labor Party’s victory in last year’s elections.
As part of the trade resolution plan, China has agreed to review the tariffs placed on Australian wine over a five-month period. In return, Australia has temporarily suspended its complaint to the World Trade Organization. This approach has previously proven successful in the case of Australian barley, leading to the removal of tariffs by China.
Albanese expressed confidence that reopening the Chinese wine market would result in significant economic benefits for Australian exporters, estimated to be worth over 1 billion Australian dollars ($631 million).
“It is important to stabilize our relationship with China, not only for the interests of both countries but also for the world at large,” Albanese emphasized. He stressed the significance of maintaining stable relations with China and highlighted that this visit represents a step towards achieving that goal.
The timing of the visit is notable as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Labor Party leader Gough Whitlam becoming the first Australian prime minister to visit the People’s Republic of China in 1973.
Prior to his visit to China, Albanese is currently in Washington, D.C. to meet with President Biden. After the China trip, he will return to the United States to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ forum in San Francisco from November 15 to 17. This will be the ninth meeting between Albanese and Biden since Albanese assumed office last year.
In addition to the discussions on the AUKUS deal, Albanese and Biden will focus on further cooperation in areas such as clean energy, critical minerals, and combating climate change.
