Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to China from 12 July to Friday 18 July 2025 for the Annual Australia–China Leaders’ Meeting, following an invitation from Premier Li Qiang. The visit marks his second as Prime Minister, after his trip in November 2023.
During the visit, Albanese will hold the Australia–China Annual Leaders’ Meeting with Premier Li in Beijing, and also meet President Xi Jinping and Chairman Zhao Leji of the National People’s Congress. Leaders will exchange views on global and regional issues and strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, and other sectors.
Albanese will also attend the Australia–China CEO Roundtable, a platform for Australian and Chinese business leaders to enhance trade and investment. His itinerary includes visits to Shanghai and Chengdu, where he will engage with business, tourism, and sports representatives, reinforcing Australia’s strong economic ties with China.
At a recent event at Château Tanunda’s Sydney Cellar Door, Albanese highlighted the revival of trade with China as a driver of jobs and growth, praising the winery’s 1,000 per cent sales increase to China since trade resumed. Michelle Geber, CEO of Château Tanunda, welcomed the Prime Minister and expressed gratitude for government support.
“China remains Australia’s largest trading partner, accounting for almost one third of our total trade, and will remain so for the foreseeable future,” Albanese said.
“Trade is now flowing freely, to the benefit of both countries and to people and businesses on both sides. We will continue to patiently and deliberately work towards a stable relationship with China, with dialogue at its core.”
“I will raise issues that are important to Australians and the region including my Government’s enduring commitment to pursuing Australia’s national interest. My Government will continue to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest.”
Albanese stressed the critical role trade plays in supporting Australian jobs, noting that one in four jobs depends on trade, with around 25 per cent of exports going to China—more than the combined total of Japan, South Korea, the United States, and India.
He also spoke about expanding trade in new industries such as green energy, artificial intelligence, and healthcare, and highlighted ongoing efforts to diversify Australia’s trade relationships across the Indo-Pacific region.
The Prime Minister’s visit aims to strengthen direct engagement between Australia and China at the highest levels—a key factor in addressing differences and maintaining a constructive bilateral relationship.
Concluding on a lighter note, Albanese acknowledged the cultural ties between the two nations, referencing the pandas at the Adelaide Zoo as a symbol of friendship.
This visit underscores the government’s commitment to building economic growth and jobs at home through a balanced and pragmatic approach to Australia’s relationship with China.
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