Delegation of Australian ministers to visit China in further sign of improving ties

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A contingent of Australian federal ministers is poised to partake in a significant diplomatic exchange set to transpire in Beijing during the upcoming week. This notable development serves as an additional indication of the burgeoning rapport between the two nations, marking a noteworthy departure from the years-long period of strained relations.

The convened delegates are slated to engage in comprehensive discussions encompassing a spectrum of topics, including trade and investments, fostering interpersonal connections, as well as regional and global security concerns. The date set for this assembly is September 7, an occasion that holds particular significance in light of the fact that such a dialogue has not taken place since early 2020. This occurrence can be regarded as a progressive stride towards bolstering the bilateral involvement and establishing a stable foundation for the relationship shared with China.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong underscored the pivotal nature of this event, articulating, “This occasion marks a pivotal juncture, as it signifies the rekindling of this dialogue subsequent to its last occurrence in early 2020. It stands as a testament to the continuous endeavor aimed at cultivating enhanced mutual engagement and forging a steady equilibrium in our interaction with China.”

The revival of these discussions was a direct outcome of a notable interaction involving the aforementioned minister and China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi. This interaction took place within the precincts of Beijing in the month of December.

Wong further elaborated on the significance of this resumption, elucidating, “It serves as an optimal forum wherein representatives from both countries can engage in a comprehensive exchange of perspectives, fostering a comprehensive understanding of our shared areas of interest. This renewed dialogue offers a promising opportunity to chart the course for deepening our collaboration.”

The renewal of this dialogue transpires a mere month subsequent to China’s decision to relinquish the imposition of a prohibitive tariff that had been in place for a span of three years, particularly targeting Australian barley. This development bears profound significance as it underscores the progressively positive trajectory of the bilateral trade relations in the aftermath of the change in Australia’s governing leadership.

China’s imposition of an 80.5% tariff on Australian barley in May 2020 had effectively severed the channels for the import of this agricultural product. This economic impediment had been widely perceived as a response to the prior Australian administration’s enactment of legislation to counteract covert foreign interference in domestic political affairs. Furthermore, China’s exclusion of the Chinese-owned telecommunications conglomerate Huawei from involvement in the deployment of Australia’s 5G network on account of security apprehensions, along with Australia’s call for an autonomous inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, had also contributed to the imposition of these trade barriers.

The forthcoming event will be chaired by former Labor trade minister Craig Emerson, with former coalition foreign minister Julie Bishop poised to participate as a delegate and lead sessions. China’s former foreign minister and the current Honorary President of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, Li Zhaoxing, will assume the co-chair position and lead the Chinese delegation, lending a stature of eminence to the proceedings.

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• Delegation of Australian ministers to visit China
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• Australia-China bilateral relations
• Penny Wong and Wang Yi meeting
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