Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has spotlighted Australia’s medical research excellence and deepening ties with China during a landmark address at the Australia-China Health & Medtech Luncheon in Chengdu — a city he described as central to “a partnership defined by innovation and co-operation.”
Albanese praised Nobel Laureate Prof. Barry Marshall, who was present at the event, calling him “one of our best-ever researchers” and a symbol of what is possible when two nations collaborate in the spirit of shared discovery. “Anyone who can just bring out casually a Nobel prize… that’s never happened to me before,” Albanese joked, before adding it was a privilege to be standing beside him.
The Prime Minister used the occasion to reinforce Australia’s position as a global leader in medical research and its growing influence in medical technology and manufacturing. He emphasised that medtech not only transforms lives but also strengthens commercial ties.
“Breakthroughs made in Australia bring new hope and better health to people all over the world,” Albanese said.
“From vaccines to bionic ears, millions are benefiting from the remarkable progress made through Australian and Chinese collaboration.”
Albanese’s visit to Western China — his first, and only the second by an Australian Prime Minister since Bob Hawke in 1986 — underscores Canberra’s effort to broaden its diplomatic footprint beyond the traditional power centres of Beijing and Shanghai. Albanese noted Hawke’s historic visit to a printed circuit board factory, drawing parallels to today’s tech and research partnerships.
“Chengdu remains central to our two nations’ evolving economic relationship,” he said, referencing successful joint ventures in science, education and health.
Following the luncheon, Albanese visited Cochlear’s operations in Chengdu — a celebrated example of Australian medtech success — where he was scheduled to witness the life-changing moment of a cochlear implant activation for a young recipient.
“That’s why our Government invests in science and research – and we invest in the next steps as well,” he said addressing media. Albanese also touched on his broader China visit, which included meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji. The bilateral talks, including a two-and-a-half-hour lunch with Xi, focused on trade, security, people-to-people links, and regional stability.
While sidestepping direct commentary on past diplomatic tensions, Albanese noted:
“We, of course, as I’ve said repeatedly, we cooperate where we can, we disagree where we must, but we don’t want those disagreements to define our relationship either, so what we do is talk about how we can cooperate further in the future”
Albanese rebuffed opposition criticism branding the trip “indulgent,” asserting that respectful engagement, such as visiting Chengdu and symbolically revisiting Whitlam and Hawke’s footsteps at the Great Wall and panda sanctuary, fosters deeper ties.
“Sitting back, never having anything positive to contribute, always being critical, seeking to look for distinction, when what they should be doing is just supporting Australia’s national interest. That’s what I’ll continue to do.”
Looking ahead, Albanese said he would welcome Premier Li to Australia later this year and host Chairman Zhao, marking a new chapter in bilateral ties. He called for increased investment flows, noting the decline in Australian foreign direct investment in China since 2019, and urged a return to stronger economic links.
Concluding his remarks, Albanese emphasised the shared responsibility both nations bear in promoting free trade, scientific exchange, and peace.
“Let us continue to build a healthier and more prosperous future, for the people of Australia and the people of the People’s Republic of China.”
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