PM Albanese of Australia will finally visit China and meet with Xi Jinping

 PM Albanese of Australia will finally visit China and meet with Xi Jinping

Soon, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a historic bilateral encounter in Beijing.

As of Saturday, Mr. Albanese is the most recent Australian leader to pay a visit China since 2016.

Following a series of commercial and security problems, the visit is seen as a turning point in the warming of ties.

The main topic of discussion will be trade; Mr. Albanese is advocating for the elimination of Chinese tariffs on Australian exports.

Mr. Xi is anticipated to want more access to important Australian industries.

Prior to the meeting, Mr. Albanese informed reporters in Beijing on Monday, "What I've repeatedly stated is that we need to cooperation with China where we can, disagree where we must, and work together in our national interest."

His visit comes after a diplomatic deadlock that was brought about, among other things, by Australia's demands for an inquiry into the origins of Covid-19 and Beijing's economic restrictions on important Australian products including cattle, wine, and barley.

The historic journey by Australian prime minister Gough Whitlam to see Mao Zedong in 1973, which was the first after diplomatic relations were established, is also commemorated on its 50th anniversary.

China and Australia are looking for novel approaches to treating historical trauma.

In response to a question from reporters about whether Australia can "trust" China, Mr. Albanese said that his previous interactions with Mr. Xi had been "constructive" and "positive".

However, we also acknowledge that we have distinct political systems, histories, and resulting quite diverse values. However, we take each other at face value.

However, a number of issues and security worries will cloud Monday's negotiations.

Since 2019, Australian writer Yang Hengjun has been detained in China on suspicion of espionage; his health is reportedly fast declining. Mr. Albanese is under pressure at home to obtain Yang Hengjun's release.

It may be difficult for Canberra and Washington to find common ground apart from economic concerns, observers say, given Canberra's strengthening military relations with Washington and a recent restructure of its defensive posture, which is generally seen as an attempt to oppose China.

Experts speculate that Beijing may want further access to Australia's renewable energy and resource industries; nevertheless, the Australian government has taken steps recently to prevent Chinese control of vital minerals and mining projects.