Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to reviewing Australia’s free trade agreement with China as part of a series of deals signed during his official trade visit to Beijing.
The Prime Minister signed six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang following talks at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing.
The MoUs also included a commitment from China to import apples from mainland Australia and collaborate on tourism—key points of Mr Albanese’s mission.
Before signing the agreements, the Chinese Premier praised his Australian guest for his “personal efforts” in stabilizing Australia-China relations.
“China-Australia relations have moved beyond a low point and returned to the right track of stability and development,” said Mr Li.
“Our pragmatic cooperation is brimming with renewed vitality and bringing real benefits to our two peoples.”
He added that Mr Albanese’s visit at the beginning of his second term would provide “new momentum” to deepen cooperation between China and Australia, especially amidst global uncertainty, stating that “a lot has happened in the world” since they last met in October.
The two leaders last met during the ASEAN-Japan Summit in Laos in October.
“The world economy sees growing instability and uncertainty,” said Mr Li.
“The development of all countries is faced with new challenges, and under such circumstances, China and Australia, as important trade partners, should strengthen dialogue and cooperation. The significance of this is becoming more notable.”
His comments echoed remarks made earlier by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who had met with Mr Albanese just hours before.
Mr Li said Mr Albanese and President Xi Jinping had reached “important common understandings on deepening China-Australia relations.”
“China would like to continue to work with Australia for more outcomes in cooperation across the board, to deliver more benefits to our two peoples,” he said.
“I would like to exchange views with you on issues of common interest in a candid and in-depth manner.”, he added.
