Chinese President Xi Jinping noted a “turnaround” in relations between his country and Australia during a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Xi and Albanese met on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Monday.
“Over the past decade, we have made certain progress in China-Australia relations and have also witnessed twists and turns,” Xi told Albanese during their third bilateral meeting.
“This trajectory has many inspirations to offer.”
“Now our relations have undergone a turnaround and continue to develop, bringing tangible benefits to both our peoples.”
Albanese, whose last meeting with Xi took place during his visit to China last year, also acknowledged a repair in relations.
“We have resumed a series of dialogues. And the pace of bilateral visits is accelerating. Trade is happening more freely, to the benefit of both countries,” Albanese told Xi.
“Our entire region will benefit from the prosperity that can come from peace, security and stability in our region.
“That’s why our direct discussions to better understand the issues we care about are so important.”
Trade tensions ease but disagreements remain
The diplomatic row between China and Australia intensified in 2020, when the then-Morrison government called for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19.
In response, Chinese authorities injected $20 billion into including coal, barley, lobster and wine, which it has since begun to extract.
Although relations have thawed, some disagreements persist between Australia and China.
China’s growing militarization in the South China Sea, the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal and the detention of Australian writer Yang Hengjun remain issues.
A report of the meeting said the prime minister raised: “Australia’s views on issues affecting regional and international peace, stability and prosperity.”
“The Prime Minister raised a series of bilateral points, including consular issues as well as people-to-people ties,” the spokesperson added.
Xi met with many world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Peru and the G20 in Brazil.
One of the priorities of the world summits was with global concern over his promise to impose significant tariffs on all imports into the United States.
The next G20 leaders’ summit will be held in China in 2025.
