Australian PM Anthony Albanese is set to make his second official visit to China later this year. This trip is being viewed by many as a major diplomatic breakthrough. This visit comes on the heels of his winning trip in 2022. That trip not only saw one of the key Australian priorities – detained journalist Cheng Lei – released, it saw the removal of trade barriers on Australian exports that the former Coalition government had imposed.
Since becoming prime minister last May, Albanese’s relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping has developed into what both leaders now refer to as a “comprehensive strategic partnership”. This growing relationship underscores Australia’s commitment to more proactively seek engagement with China — a priority for Albanese from the outset of his first term in office.
The Prime Minister’s upcoming trip will include meetings with both Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, allowing for further discussions concerning the two nations’ relationship. Albanese regularly extends an olive branch and welcomes calls with Beijing. This makes him unique as the only Australian prime minister who on a frequent and regular basis pursues engagement with China.
Diplomatic Breakthroughs
For Albanese, this was his first visit to China, and it was a considerable success. Most significantly, Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist, who was held for three years on espionage charges, was released. That outcome turned the tide on the story of Australia’s diplomatic relations with China. It represented a new chapter, a thawing of the relationship that had been icy for over 6 years.
His successful advocacy for removal of trade impediments on Australian exports was another big win from his final trip. After years of damaging bilateral tensions in high office under ScoMo’s watch, Albanese’s administration has moved quickly to return stability to trade relations, creating new economic ties.
“It’s more like balancing Australia’s economic dependence on China — and China’s willingness to leverage that dependence against Australia’s need to build more comprehensive security and defence relations with other countries in the region and with Europe.” – Dr. Fitzgerald
Albanese’s government is busy negotiating free trade agreements. Simultaneously, they are acutely attuned to the very real and troubling situation of Australian citizens currently detained in China. Yang Hengjun, an Australian writer, languishes in Chinese prison on spurious scores that he adamantly denies. His case will almost certainly steal the show during the next visit to his royal capital. After being sentenced to a suspended death sentence last year, this makes it critical that the Australian government intervene on Yang’s behalf.
Strategic Engagement
Throughout his first term, Albanese stressed the importance of stabilizing relations with China, focusing on the need for constructive dialogue. He prefers collaboration when it’s the best option. Yet on issues of national concern, he does not budge.
“We will cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in the national interest,” said Albanese, outlining his government’s diplomatic strategy.
This well-calibrated strategy aspires to foster a more realistic and reciprocal dynamic in the Australia-China partnership. The Prime Minister’s desire to bypass norms and engage head-on with Chinese leadership is commendable. This new pragmatic approach exemplifies understanding that continued constructive dialogue can lead to wins for both countries.
This was reflected in Xi Jinping’s warm personal letter expressing his support for the re-election of Albanese. The gesture went a long way in solidifying their diplomatic relationship.
“Promoting a more mature, stable and productive relationship is essential,” stated Xi during their previous discussions.
Future Prospects
Hopefully, as Albanese gets ready for his own return to China, he’ll be shaken free of those positive laurels. He plans to tackle some unfinished business on this trip as well. Tensions continue to exist, particularly on the human rights front as well as in regards to changing trade dynamics. This visit has the potential to deepen the good work already done or to walk all of us back from it.
According to experts, this constant back & forth will be vital in shaping the future terrain of Australia-China relations. Dr. Fitzgerald pointed out that the political calculus on this relationship is often complicated by broader economic priorities.
“It’s a political decision — not one based on economic or trade considerations,” Dr. Fitzgerald added.
As both nations continue charting their highly intertwined interests, Albanese’s second visit stands as an opportunity to reframe and deepen relationship. The outcomes of this diplomacy could set the tone for future interactions between Australia and one of its most significant trading partners.
