Li, China's prime minister, perceives relations with Australia as progressing positively.
The Chinese Premier is currently on a six-day tour to New Zealand and Australia, with trade matters being the main point of discussion. However, the state of diplomatic ties with these nations, which have seen a significant decline recently, is also under consideration.
In Australia, Li held talks with Albanese following a welcoming ceremony at the Parliament. According to Li, there was an "honest exchange of thoughts," even amidst disagreements. Prior to the meeting, Albanese had stressed the significance of maintaining an "open dialogue."
Li is the top-tier Chinese official to visit New Zealand and Australia since 2017. New Zealand, previously seen as one of China's closest allies in the region, has grown increasingly critical of China's influence in the South Pacific. Australia, in reaction to China's military power aspirations, has drawn closer to the U.S. Nevertheless, China remains the primary export market for both countries.
Economic ties between China and Australia have been strained in recent years. Beijing slapped tariffs on Australian wine and other vital export items after Australia implemented a series of measures against China. As early as 2018, Canberra barred Chinese telecommunications supplier Huawei from constructing faster 5G mobile networks. Calls for an investigation into the origins of the Corona pandemic also received a hostile response from Beijing.
Following the change of government in Canberra and the arrival of liberal Prime Minister Albanese last year, the situation improved, and Beijing began to lift trade restrictions.
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- During his six-day tour, Li Qiang, China's prime minister, visited both New Zealand and Australia, aiming to enhance economic relations and discuss trade matters.
- Li held a meeting with Australia's head of government, Anthony Albanese, where they had an "honest exchange of thoughts" despite their disagreements.
- Li perceives the relationship between China and Australia as progressing positively, following the change of government in Canberra and the arrival of liberal Prime Minister Albanese last year.
- Beijing's relationship with Australia has been strained due to issues such as tariffs on Australian wine and the barring of Huawei from constructing 5G networks, leading to a hostile response from China.
- Li is the first top-tier Chinese official to visit New Zealand and Australia since 2017, as China looks to rebuild its relationships in the region with countries like Australia and New Zealand.
- China remains a primary export market for both Australia and New Zealand, despite the strained relations and trade restrictions, highlighting the importance of maintaining their relationships with "China's" Li Qiang.
- Li Qiang, the head of government in China, is currently engaging in a diplomatic mission to strengthen China's relationships with key countries in the region, such as Australia and New Zealand.
