SYDNEY (Reuters) – Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Australia on Saturday, saying relations were “back on track” as he started the first visit by a Chinese premier to the major trading partner in seven years.
Australia is “uniquely positioned to connect the West and the East” and stands as “an important force of economic globalization and world multipolarity”, Li said at Adelaide’s airport, according to a statement from the Chinese embassy.
Bilateral relations are “back on track after a period of twists and turns”, Li said.
Australia, the largest iron ore supplier to China, has seen Chinese investment in its mining projects. However, Australia has blocked recent Chinese investments in critical minerals on national interest grounds.
During a diplomatic dispute in 2020, China imposed trade restrictions on numerous Australian agricultural and mineral products. Since then, tensions have significantly eased between the two countries.
During his four-day visit, Li will also visit the capital Canberra and mining state Western Australia.
“A more mature, stable and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership will be a treasure shared by the people of both countries,” Li said.
He is expected to visit a pair of pandas on loan from China to Adelaide’s zoo on Sunday. A lunch with wine exporters until recently shut out of the Chinese market will show trade ties have smoothed after the dispute that suspended A$20 billion ($13 billion) in Australian agriculture and mineral exports through last year.
Premier Li’s visit aims to strengthen China Australia ties through diplomatic exchanges and economic cooperation. His assertion that relations are ‘back on track’ signals a positive shift in bilateral relations. This diplomatic engagement is crucial for enhancing mutual understanding and addressing shared challenges.
read more
image source
