Australian Prime Minister visits China to 'break the ice' in relations

Australia's prime minister arrived in China today, describing it as a "positive step" to stabilise tense relations between the two countries.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Shanghai today, starting a state visit to China from November 4-6. He is the first Australian leader to visit China since 2016, in an effort to mend bilateral relations that have been frozen for several years.

"My first visit to China, Australia's major trading partner, in seven years is a positive step. I look forward to constructive discussions and dialogue with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang," Mr Albanese said. "This is the result of the patient, measured and measured approach we have taken to our relationship with China."

China's foreign ministry said Mr Albanese would meet Chinese leaders and "exchange in-depth views on bilateral issues as well as international and regional issues of common concern".

"China is willing to work with Australia and takes this visit as an opportunity to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, expand cooperation, deepen friendship and promote continued improvement of bilateral relations," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) arrives in China on November 4. Photo: AAP

Diplomatic exchanges between China and Australia were frozen in 2020, when China restricted dozens of Australian exports in response to Canberra's call for an investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Albanese government has made a concerted effort to stabilise relations with China since taking office last year. China has lifted most of its trade embargoes, which cost Australia more than $13 billion in lost food and commodity exports.

The Australian Prime Minister will attend the Shanghai Import Expo on 5 November, where Li will deliver the opening speech. Mr Albanese will then travel to Beijing on 6 November to meet President Xi Jinping.

Mr Albanese said he planned to discuss with Mr Xi concerns about rising tensions in the South China Sea, as well as Yang Henjun, an Australian writer sentenced to four years in prison by Beijing for espionage. "This case needs to be resolved," he said.

Hong Hanh (According to Reuters )

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