Western Australia’s Premier Mark McGowan has signaled his intention to visit China, as the state seeks to boost economic ties with the Asian giant

Western Australia’s premier, Mark McGowan, plans to travel to China in late April to discuss the important trade relationship between the two nations. This will make him the first Australian state premier to visit China since before the COVID-19 pandemic. He also hopes to visit Guangzhou to address the resumption of direct flights between Perth and the port city. The visit needs approval from Chinese authorities, but both nations are working to improve relations and resume talks on dropping trade sanctions. Despite concerns over Australia’s recent AUKUS security pact agreement with the US and UK, McGowan aims to prioritize re-establishing and strengthening relationships between the two nations, particularly around major export industries. McGowan’s approval rating has dropped to 63%, its lowest since the pandemic, as reported by the West Australian newspaper.