When Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives in Beijing, he will become the first Australian leader to visit China in seven years. This visit comes after a period of strained relations, marked by various disputes, including Chinese sanctions on Australian goods and accusations of foreign interference.
Efforts have been made by both sides to renew their ambitions and clear the way for this visit. Notably, China recently released Chinese-Australian journalist Cheng Lei after detaining her for more than three years on national security charges. Additionally, China has announced a review of tariffs on Australian exports. In response, Australia has suspended its actions against China at the World Trade Organization and approved the Chinese lease of a critical port in Darwin.
However, analysts caution that the fundamental issues affecting the relationship remain, particularly as both nations vie for influence in the Pacific Islands region, and Australia updates its defense posture to counter China’s military buildup.
While Chinese officials express a desire to deepen the relationship, Australian experts see this as the peak of stabilization that Canberra desires at the moment. The gap between the two countries’ visions of the next steps remains evident.
Australia’s relationship with China has evolved significantly since former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam’s visit to Beijing 50 years ago when the basis of “mutual benefit” was established. China’s economic rise created a substantial demand for Australian exports, providing stability and growth for Australia’s economy. Over the years, this relationship has led to strong cross-cultural exchanges and a significant population of Chinese ancestry in Australia.
Tensions began in 2018 when Australia banned Chinese firm Huawei from participating in its 5G network rollout due to security concerns. This was followed by Australia’s criticism of China’s actions in Hong Kong and its call for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19, which led to a period of economic coercion by Beijing.
Australia’s decision to join the Aukus security pact signaled its commitment to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. However, with Anthony Albanese becoming Prime Minister in 2022, both countries recognized the need for a thaw in relations.
The visit to Beijing follows Albanese’s recent state visit to the United States, and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is closely watched by the U.S., which seeks reassurance about Australia’s stance on China.
Several sticking points remain in the relationship.
While the relationship between Australia and China is based on economic self-interest, Australia remains influenced by its ties with the U.S. The future will likely see Australia maintaining a guarded approach while Beijing seeks ways to expand the relationship over the next 50 years.
The outcome of Albanese’s trip could lead to the removal of remaining trade barriers, but major announcements are not expected at this stage.