By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
High Level Discussions Mark Premier Li’s Four Day Visit
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Chinese Premier Li Qiang to the country’s parliament in Canberra for high level discussions, described as candid by both sides. Li's visit, the first by a Chinese premier in seven years, follows Beijing’s removal of tariffs on key Australian exports, including wine, coal, and barley.
During a joint news conference, Albanese mentioned that he had addressed human rights issues in China, the Pacific situation, and the Russia Ukraine war. “We have our differences that’s why candid dialogue is so important,” Albanese stated. He emphasized Australia’s commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region where countries respect sovereignty and international laws.
Li characterized their meeting as “candid, in depth and fruitful,” noting that they had reached substantial consensus. He also announced that Australia would join China’s visa waiver program.
Protests and Tense Atmosphere Outside Parliament
Outside the parliament building, human rights protesters rallied, chanting and displaying flags and placards in support of Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong. A heavy police presence and a barricade separated them from a pro China group. Reporters noted the tense atmosphere and occasional scuffles.
Premier Li was greeted with a brass band and a military guard of honour, including a 19 gun artillery salute that momentarily drowned out the protests. At a state lunch attended by over 300 guests, Li was served Australian beef and wines from the Canberra region. Ahead of their private meeting, Albanese had vowed to discuss sensitive topics, including the case of jailed dissident writer Yang Hengjun.
Yang, an Australian writer born in China, was given a suspended death sentence in February for spying. The sentence was upheld by a Beijing court just before Li’s visit, prompting Yang’s supporters to urge Albanese to request his transfer to Australia on medical grounds. They argued that achieving a stable, respectful bilateral relationship with China is impossible while an Australian political prisoner faces execution.
Australia's Stance on Military and Regional Issues
Australia has recently criticized China’s military for “unacceptable” and “unsafe” behavior in international skies and waters, calling for restraint in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost entirely. Australia has also joined the Quad security grouping with India, Japan, and the United States, as well as the AUKUS pact with the UK and the US.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated in a radio interview that these partnerships aim to ensure a safer and more stable region but emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement with China, which views these pacts as containment efforts.
University of Sydney researcher Minglu Chen remarked that while not all security issues will be resolved immediately, Li’s visit symbolizes a gesture of goodwill and China's willingness to engage with foreign nations.
Renewed Economic and Diplomatic Ties
Upon his arrival on Sunday, Li declared that the Australia China relationship was “back on track” during a lunch at a historic South Australian vineyard impacted by the trade embargo. He also announced that two new pandas would be sent to Adelaide Zoo, replacing a pair due to return to China by the end of the year.
China remains a crucial trading partner for Australia, purchasing a third of its exports and supplying a quarter of its imports. Trade between the two nations reached 327 billion Australian dollars ($215.95bn) last year as Beijing’s trade restrictions eased. Relations had previously soured due to Australian legislation banning covert foreign interference in politics, the exclusion of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei from Australia’s 5G network, and calls for an independent investigation into the origins and responses to the COVID 19 pandemic.