Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to the People’s Republic of China from 4 to 7 November.
In Beijing, the Prime Minister will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. In Shanghai, the Prime Minister has accepted Premier Li’s invitation to attend the China International Import Expo.
The Prime Minister’s visit will build on his productive discussions with President Xi and Premier Li over the last twelve months, as well as increased ministerial engagement over that time.
A stable relationship between Australia and China is in the interests of both countries.
Trade between Australia and China, as well as strong community, cultural and business links has delivered significant benefits to both our countries.
China remains Australia’s largest trading partner, amounting to almost a third of our total trade. The Government has been working to remove impediments to trade.
Since the successful removal of duties on Australian barley, we have engaged actively to secure a similar process to resolve our WTO wine dispute with China.
We have now reached an agreement with China to move forward to resolve this dispute. We welcome China’s agreement to undertake an expedited review of its duties. This process is expected to take five months.
Australia and China have agreed we will suspend the dispute on wine in the WTO pending the outcome of this review. If the duties are not removed at the end of the review, Australia will resume the dispute in the WTO. We are confident of a successful outcome.
During the Prime Minister’s visit, the leaders will discuss cooperation in a range of areas including economic links, climate change and links between our people.
This will be the Prime Minister’s first visit to China and the first visit to China by an Australian Prime Minister since 2016. It will mark the 50th anniversary of the first visit to China by an Australian Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, in 1973.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“I look forward to visiting China, an important step towards ensuring a stable and productive relationship.”
“I look forward to further engaging with President Xi and Premier Li in Australia’s national interest.”
“Prime Minister Whitlam’s historic visit laid the groundwork for the diplomatic, economic and cultural ties that continue to benefit our countries today.”
“I welcome the progress we have made to return Australian products, including Australian wine, to the Chinese market. Strong trade benefits both countries.”