Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Tuesday, where he said resources trade, energy transition and security tensions are key topics for discussion.
Albanese is due to meet Xi ahead of an annual leaders dialogue with Li, and later attend a business roundtable at the Great Hall of the People.
Albanese said on Monday he looked forward to a “constructive dialogue” with the Chinese leaders.
Australia, which regards the United States its major security ally, has pursued a China policy of “cooperate where we can, disagree where we must” under Albanese.
Australia has expressed concern at China’s military build-up and the jailing of an Australian writer, while Beijing has criticised Canberra’s increased screening of foreign investment in critical minerals and Albanese’s pledge to return a Chinese-leased port to Australian ownership.
Chinese state media outlet Xinhua said the relationship between the two countries, which have complementary economies, was steadily improving.
Australia’s exports to China, its largest trading partner, span agriculture and energy but are dominated by iron ore, and Albanese has traveled with executives from mining giants Rio Tinto RIO.AX, BHP BHP.AX, and Fortescue FMG.AX, who met with Chinese steel industry officials on Monday, as part of a six-day visit.
Bran Black, CEO of the Business Council of Australia, said Australia’s Bluescope Steel BSL.AX will also be at Tuesday’s business roundtable, along with China’s electric vehicle giant BYD 002594.SZ, Chinese banking executives, Baosteel and COFCO.
“First and foremost we use fixtures such as this to send a signal that business-to-business engagement should be welcomed and encouraged,” Black told Reuters on Tuesday.
(Reuters)
