Anthony Albanese has confirmed he will host Chinese Premier Li Qiang for bilateral talks during his visit to Australia this week, marking a step forward in efforts to stabilise ties between the two countries.
This is the second visit from a senior Chinese official to Australia this year, after China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit in March.
Mr Albanese announced he will meet with President Xi Jinping’s second-in-command on Sunday following months of speculation over the senior officials’ trip to Canberra.
“Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia is an important opportunity to engage directly on key issues for both our nations,” Mr Albanese said.
“China is Australia’s largest trading partner and our economic relationship continues to bring substantial benefits to both our countries.”
An unofficial ban on live lobster imports is expected to be a key topic of discussion among leaders after China lifted sanctions on Australian wine, as well as the government’s proposed caps on foreign university students.
China lifted sanctions on exports from five Australian meat processing facilities in NSW and Queensland last week, after it imposed a raft of trade sanctions in response to Australia’s calls for an inquiry into the origins of Covid-19.
The deterioration in relations resulted
Premier Li is expected to arrive in Australia on June 15 and be in Canberra on June 17 for political talks, before heading to Perth for discussions with business leaders.
Mr Albanese said the meeting was an opportunity for Australia to advance its own interests by demonstrating “national values, our people’s qualities and our economy’s strengths.”
“Australia continues to pursue a stable and direct relationship with China, with dialogue at its core,” he said.
“We will co-operate where we can, disagree where we must and engage in our national interest.”