Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that relations between China and Australia had “turned around”, as he played host to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a high-level diplomacy meeting in Beijing.
It is the first time in years that an Australian prime minister has travelled to China, and an indication of thawing relations from trade frictions and political tensions.
Positive Remarks from Both Sides
During the meeting, President Xi was positive about the outlook, noted that “the China-Australia relationship has recently experienced a turnaround and is developing in a positive direction.”
Prime Minister Albanese welcomed the improvement as well. The two countries need to concentrate on mutual respect, cooperation, and transparency, he added. We disagree on many things, but engagement is better than isolation,” Albanese said.
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Focus on Trade and Stability
Trade dominated the talks, and both leaders committed to rebuilding trust in areas such as mining, agriculture and education. Australia has been one of China’s biggest sources of iron ore and other commodities.
Analysts say the meeting may result in the relaxing of trade restrictions imposed by China against Australian goods, such as wine, barley and coal.
