Discussion on Trade Barriers, Military Conflicts, and Mineral Investments
China Grants Visa-Free Entry to Australia Immediately After Meeting
Amid the first visit by a Chinese premier to Australia in seven years, the two countries' leaders agreed to narrow differences and expand cooperation in areas such as trade conflicts and mineral investment. China plans to include Australia in its visa exemption program as part of tourism exchanges.
According to AP News and others, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a press conference after talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Parliament House in Canberra on the 17th (local time), "It was a constructive dialogue," adding, "We were able to build a deeper understanding of each other's interests." He also emphasized that Australia and China share mutually complementary economic interests regarding climate change issues. On that day, the two leaders discussed challenging issues including trade barriers, military conflicts in international waters, and China's expansion of mineral investments in Australia.
Albanese stated, "However, we do have differences. That is why frank dialogue is important," and stressed, "Australia continues to advocate for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world alongside countries that respect sovereignty and international law." He continued, "I believe we must all cooperate to promote an international balance where no country dominates or is dominated," and emphasized, "Australia is clear that it will work for national interests by cooperating with China where possible despite different histories, political systems, and values, and opposing where necessary."
Premier Li Qiang responded, "(The bilateral relationship) is on the right track of steady improvement and development," adding, "We had a frank, deep, and fruitful meeting and reached many areas of consensus." He also explained, "We exchanged sincere views on some differences and disagreements and agreed to manage them properly in a manner befitting a comprehensive strategic partnership."
He further revealed part of the talks, stating that the two countries will expand cooperation in the energy and mining sectors, and China will include Australia in its visa exemption program. The Chinese government announced immediately after the meeting between Premier Li and Prime Minister Albanese that Australia would be included in the 'unilateral visa exemption' category. This grants foreigners entering China for business, tourism, or visiting relatives the right to stay visa-free for up to 15 days. This is interpreted as a conciliatory message from China, which is a security rival of Australia, to keep economic exchange channels open.
Australia, a member of the Quad (the security consultative group of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India) and AUKUS (the security alliance of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia), has had multiple security conflicts with China. In 2018, Australia excluded Chinese telecommunications company Huawei from participating in its 5G network project, and in 2020, it provoked China by demanding an international investigation into the origins of COVID-19. In response, China retaliated by imposing tariffs on more than ten Australian products, including wine. However, with the Australian Labor Party government taking office in 2022, relations began to thaw, and last year Australia's trade volume with China reached a record high.
Meanwhile, Premier Li Qiang visited Australia for four days starting on the 15th, following his visit to New Zealand. On the last day of his visit, the 18th, he is scheduled to visit a Chinese lithium processing plant in Western Australia. China is known to have a strong interest in expanding its stake in Australia's key mineral sectors to secure renewable energy sources.
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