China resumes high-level dialogue for first time in 3 years

“This is the first high-level dialogue between Australia and China since early 2020. It represents another step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation and stabilizing Australia’s relationship with China,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on September 2.

Preparations for the resumption of high-level military dialogue between Australia and China were agreed by both sides after Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing in December 2022.

Australia and China resume high-level dialogue for the first time since 2020. (Photo: AP)

The seventh Australia-China High-Level Dialogue is scheduled to provide a platform for senior representatives from industry, government, academia, media and the arts “to exchange views on the breadth of the bilateral relationship between Australia and China”.

In May 2020, China imposed an 80% tariff on Australian barley exports, effectively closing its market to Australia. Beijing's move was in response to Canberra's support for the US push for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19.

On February 6, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met and held talks with Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell. This was the first bilateral meeting since 2019, showing signs that both sides want to mend the relationship.

On March 15, China lifted a ban on Australian coal imports that had been imposed since late 2020. On April 11, Canberra suspended its World Trade Organization lawsuit against Beijing after reaching a deal on barley.

Kong Anh (Source: Sputnik)

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