Anthony Albanese in big break in China as economic heavyweight announces new plan for Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s bilateral meetings with China have led to a breakthrough, with Prime Minister Li Qiang announcing the resumption of annual meetings between the two countries.
The prime minister described Albanese as “an old friend” as he welcomed him to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
A military band played both the Chinese and Australian national anthems during the ceremony, while 144 soldiers stood at attention with their bayonets at their sides.
The dialogue Mr Li refers to began during the Gillard-Rudd years but foundered.
The prime minister described Albanese as “an old friend” as he welcomed him to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing
This meeting between Chinese leaders and Mr Albanese marks the first time an Australian Prime Minister has visited China since 2016.
President Xi Jinping praised the prime minister’s efforts to repair relations between the two nations, which have deteriorated in recent years.
‘After taking office, you worked to stabilize and improve relations with China. This shows the importance you attach to relations with China,” he said.
“The relationship between China and Australia has now entered the right path of improvement and development. “I am encouraged to see that a healthy and stable relationship between China and Australia serves the common interests of our two countries.”
Mr Xi gave a rare smile and a warm handshake as he greeted Mr Albanese earlier in the day.
The Chinese leader said Beijing and Canberra had “resolved a number of issues”, pointing to contentious issues including human rights, the escalation of threats against Taiwan and trade bans on Australian exports worth $20 billion at their peak.
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said relations with China are in better shape than a year ago.
“The Prime Minister went to this meeting not necessarily expecting to come back with a bag of goodies, but … there have been significant successes for Australia in the form of new exports and jobs for Australians,” he told ABC Radio.
“We would always strive to make the most of every possible market, and China, even with these barriers, has remained Australia’s largest agricultural market in recent years.