Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomes Li Qiang, China Premier, for a four day visit. Li Qiang is second in charge in the seven-member governing Politburo with President Xi Jinping as the head of the Chinese Community Party.
(image ABC News: Nick Haggarty)
This week, Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, undertook an official visit to Australia for discussions on trade and mutual economic prosperity visited Adelaide, Canberra and Perth during his visit.
The importance of this week’s meeting is monumental in re-establishing stronger relations with mutual understanding, respect and trust. Particularly in business transactions of Trade. Both nations depend on agriculture food security- which Australia is second to none.
In recent months FNGN covered Wang Yi, China Foreign Minister’s visit to Australia Lift of China Tarrifs, and FNGN 21 May Newsletter China Lifts Australia Beef Import Bans
The China Australia Trade Bans are Lifting, with Lobster on the Menu.
Trade Minister Senator Farrell recently told ABC 7.30- “I’m now very, very confident, as a result of the meetings today and yesterday, that these final issues will be resolved very quickly, and Chinese consumers will very soon have the benefit of wonderful Australian rock lobster on their menu,”
China implemented in 2020 Australian product of Beef, Wine, Grains, and Lobster import bans after the Australia Morrison Government called for a review of China’s role in the origins of COVID-19.
The lobster market was worth around $770 million at the time and resulted in tonnes of Australian lobsters being left to rot on the tarmac at Chinese airports. (ABC)
The leaders reaffirmed their support for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, on the tenth anniversary of its establishment – consistent with the Statement on Joint Outcomes issued in Beijing in November 2023, and the importance of the 1972 Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People’s Republic of China and Australia. Issues on South China Sea marine security, and Australia’s commitment to its one-China policy were not discussed in depth.
Both parties reaffirmed the importance of the UN Charter and the WTO. They agreed to continue to work together in the United Nations, WTO, G20, APEC, East Asia Summit and other multilateral platforms – and attached importance to cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).
Reciprocal access to multi-entry visas of 15 days of up to three to five years’ duration for business, tourism, and visiting family members was a highly welcomed announcement in supporting increased number of students, tourists and business people travelling in both directions.
An agreement on strategic economic dialogue will advance discussions on economic policy issues and bilateral economic co-operation.
Agreements:
* A resumption of co-operation on climate change
* Greater collaboration in education and research, including in quality assurance, online education, and qualification recognition
* Strengthening arts and cultural sectors by re-implementing the 1981 Agreement on Cultural Co-operation, which will encourage collaboration, visits and skills exchanges between creative and cultural professionals and institutions
* Improving military collaboration to avoid potential incidents
* Reciprocal access for Australians to access five-year multiple entry visas and 15-day visa-free travel to China
* The pair also spoke about China’s treatment of political dissidents
Full Australia PM Gov Statement HERE+
