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Li Qiang made a four-day stopover in Australia after New Zealand and before Malaysia. It had been seven years since a Chinese government head had made an official visit. It symbolized a clear improvement in Canberra’s relations with Beijing.
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Gun salutes and troop inspections: Chinese Premier Li Qiang received a ceremonial welcome in Canberra on Monday, June 17, a sign of a thaw in relations that began when the Labor Party came to power in Australia two years ago.
Beijing recently removed most trade barriers on coal, cotton, wine, barley, beef and timber, to the relief of Australian exporters who cost them close to 960 billion CFA francs a year.
After a long break in ministerial relations, the visit is intended to be one of normalisation following high tensions under Conservative rule in Australia, which has angered China over its exclusion of Huawei from its 5G network and its call for an investigation into the origins of Covid-19.
Today, the cloth is no longer burning. However, differences remain. Especially in terms of human rights, such as the case of Australian writer Yang Hengjun, who was imprisoned and sentenced to death in China for “espionage”. There is also Beijing’s interventionism and its growing influence in the greater Pacific region. But as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pointed out, both sides have decided to discuss everything frankly.
“Of course, China is a regional and global power. It plays a vital role in keeping the region open, stable and prosperous. Today we also exchanged views on the region and the world, which enabled us to better understand our region and the world.” Respective positions and views”did he announce it?
Australia advocates that we work together to promote a balanced region where no country dominates and no country is dominated, where countries big and small play by the same rules…We will work with China where we can and disagree where we must.
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia
“It is crucial that Is he still estimating?We are committed to each other, given our geographic proximity, our economic interconnectedness, and the deep and enduring ties that unite our peoples.”
Li Qiang has the same analysis.
We also had a candid exchange of views on some differences and disagreements, and agreed to properly manage them in accordance with the overall strategic partnership between the two countries. We both support developing mutually beneficial cooperation and enhancing the vitality and sustainability of China-Australia relations.
Li Qiang, Prime Minister of China
Anthony Albanese announced that the tone has been set to better manage possible new conflict situations, especially in international waters. “One of the very practical measures we talked about was improving communication between military personnel to avoid incidents and establish dialogue.” Please also note that Australians and Chinese will no longer need visas to visit each other.
Another symbol of relaxation is recovery “Panda diplomacy”Beijing will repatriate two elderly giant pandas from South Australia’s Adelaide Zoo and has promised to soon deliver a new pair of the mammals, a symbol of Asia’s giants.
Overall, both states appear realistic. Australia recognizes the importance of China, which is its main trading partner, accounting for 30% of Australia’s exports. Bilateral trade exceeds 24 trillion CFA francs. Beijing, which is suffering from an economic slowdown and rising protectionism in Europe and the United States, wants to strengthen relations with important countries in the Pacific region.
Bruno Sartre’s Report
Li Qiang concluded a four-day trip on Tuesday, June 18, visiting a Chinese-owned lithium refinery in Perth, Western Australia.
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