President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Beijing signals a shifting dynamic in Sino-Australian relations.
After years of chilly relations, this high-level dialogue suggests warming ties. Australia and China, despite past troubles, have strong economic links that endure.
In 2018, Australia made a bold move, excluding Huawei from its 5G network due to security concerns.
The following year, Australia pressed for a global investigation into COVID-19’s origins, causing further discord.
China reacted by imposing stiff tariffs on essential Australian exports like barley, beef, and wine.
They also curtailed their purchase of Australian resources such as coal, which cut deep into Australia’s earnings.
However, the landscape began to shift with Albanese’s rise to power in May 2022. Trade barriers have started to fall away under his leadership.
During their meeting, Xi and Albanese emphasized that free trade serves both nations well. They focused on bolstering cooperation, indicating a reset in diplomatic ties.
Still, hurdles persist. Australia’s Aukus security pact with the United States and the United Kingdom has drawn China’s ire.
The deal, which will furnish Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, aims to balance China’s regional influence.
Yet, despite these ongoing contentions, the Beijing meeting signals progress in mending fences and building a cooperative future.
Background
The backdrop of China and Australia’s relations is complex. When Australia barred Huawei and sought a COVID-19 probe, Beijing was quick to impose trade penalties.
These actions caused significant economic disruption and diplomatic strain.
Little contact occurred diplomatically for some time, keeping relations tense. But economic ties left room for negotiation.
The change in Australia’s government in 2022 opened up new possibilities for dialogue.
The recent meeting is significant, marking the first major contact in years. It signals an intent to move past old disputes.
Both countries show a readiness to renew diplomatic and economic collaboration. This move is a cautious, yet optimistic, step towards a stronger bilateral relationship.