Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his second official visit to China, marking a new chapter in Australia-China relations with renewed commitments to trade, industry decarbonisation, and tourism cooperation.
Reflecting on the visit, PM Albanese said in a statment: “This visit marks another important step in the Australia-China relationship. A stable and constructive relationship with China is in Australia’s national interest.”
“We will cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest.
The visit, seen as pivotal for advancing Australia’s economic and security interests, featured high-level meetings in Beijing with China’s top leadership, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman Zhao Leji of the National People’s Congress.
At the centre of the talks was the announcement of a formal review of the decade-old China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Li confirmed that the review would involve consultation with industry and the public to modernise the agreement and better reflect contemporary trade realities.
PM Albnaese added, “Strengthening our security and economic interests with our largest trading partner will boost Australian jobs and support Australian businesses.
“I used my engagements in China to advocate for Australia’s interests including on trade, consular, human rights, and regional and global issues.”
In Beijing, the leaders also took part in the 8th Australia-China CEO Roundtable, where key bilateral agreements were signed to boost collaboration in trade, agriculture, and tourism.
While in Shanghai, the Prime Minister joined a Business Council of Australia delegation to meet with leading Chinese and Australian companies. Discussions focused on strengthening commercial ties and creating new opportunities for Australian exporters.
Tourism was a key agenda item, with several new agreements signed to promote Australia in the Chinese market. These included initiatives aimed at boosting media visibility of Australia as a premium travel destination.
In the resources sector, Albanese hosted a Steel Decarbonisation Roundtable alongside major Australian mining companies — BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, and Hancock Prospecting — and Chinese steelmakers. The roundtable explored pathways for industry-led efforts to reduce emissions while ensuring the long-term strength of Australia’s iron ore trade.
To formalise this cooperation, the Prime Minister and Premier Li announced the launch of a new Policy Dialogue on Steel Decarbonisation. PM Albanese said,
“I thank President Xi and Premier Li for their hospitality on my second official visit to China.”
The trip also included a visit to Chengdu, where the Prime Minister highlighted Australia’s contributions to health and medical technology innovation. He toured Cochlear Australia’s facility, celebrating the company’s expansion into China’s southwest region.
The government maintains that its approach to China will remain “patient, calibrated, and deliberate,” with dialogue at the core of a stable bilateral relationship.
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