Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to visit China, aiming to enhance engagement with the world power. However, he denies being a ‘go-between’ for the United States. President Joe Biden has warned Australia against fully trusting Beijing, and Albanese acknowledges this caution. This visit will be significant as it marks the first time an Australian leader has traveled to China since 2016. The prime minister expresses concern about the lack of military engagement between the US and China, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and disagreement based on national interests. Albanese emphasizes that Australia’s improved relationship with China is driven by its own sovereign interests rather than acting as a messenger for the US.
The prime minister highlights the positive developments in the trade relationship between Australia and China, noting the removal of trade barriers and the economic benefits for Australia. He mentions specific sectors, such as wine, barley, timber, and hay, where decisions have been beneficial for Australian exports. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton supports Albanese’s perspective on the visit to China and agrees with the need for the trading relationship to grow. However, Dutton emphasizes the importance of delivering tough messages, considering the industrial-scale theft of intellectual property and cyber attacks originating from China. He believes that addressing these multifaceted issues is crucial in managing the relationship between Australia and China.