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Exclusive | China issues ‘in-principle’ invite for Australia’s prime minister to visit Beijing, September and October likely
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese could visit Beijing in September and October, according to sources close to the Chinese and Australian governments
- It would mark the 50th anniversary of the first trip to China by an Australian prime minister, with Gough Whitlam having visited in October and November 1973
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China has issued an invitation “in principle” for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to visit Beijing, and the trip could take place around September and October, according to sources close to the Chinese and Australian governments who are familiar with the matter.
The Post reported in February that Albanese is “anticipating” a visit to China this year after three years of strained relations, which included Chinese bans and restrictions on the import of various Australian products.
The anticipated timing would mark the 50th anniversary of the first visit to China by an Australian prime minister, with Gough Whitlam having made a trip in October and November 1973.
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“It’s the time to remember Gough Whitlam’s visit to China 50 years ago,” said one of the sources.
“[Beijing] issued ‘in-principle’ invitations to Prime Minister Albanese and trade minister Farrell to visit Beijing some time ago
Beijing has also sent an invitation “in-principle” to Australian trade minister Don Farrell, although an exact date has yet to be confirmed, the source close to the Chinese government added.
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Farrell’s trip, though, is expected to take place before Albanese’s after he accepted an invitation to travel to Beijing “in the near future” during a virtual meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao in February.
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