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
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 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.
“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.
“[Beijing] issued ‘in-principle’ invitations to Prime Minister Albanese and trade minister Farrell to visit Beijing some time ago. These are not new invitations,” said the source close to the Australia government, adding that both sides have yet to agree on an exact time for either visit.
“As of today, no dates for the visit have been agreed, but the invitations remain valid,” the source added.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed to the Post that Farrell has accepted Wang’s invitation to visit China, but that a date has not been set.
The relationship between China and Australia turned sour in 2020 after the then-prime minister Scott Morrison called for a probe into the origin of the coronavirus.
Albanese’s election victory in May last year, though, signalled an improvement in relations and he requested a visit to China in the second half of May this year, but Beijing declined, according to the source close to the Australian government.
“Albanese will not reveal to the Australian people he is going to Beijing until the date is confirmed by China,” the source added.
“There is some talk of a September or October visit, but nothing is confirmed at this stage.”
Australia’s clear position is that we will cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must and act always in Australia’s national interest
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of Australia told the Post that Albanese “has said consistently that he is open to visiting China this year and that dialogue is always welcome”.
“Australia’s clear position is that we will cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must and act always in Australia’s national interest,” it added.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to a request for comment about the planned trips, but in a regular press conference on Tuesday, spokeswoman Mao Ning said there was no update when asked about a potential trip by Albanese this autumn.
“We hope to work together with Australia to … keep exchanges between high-level officials, expand areas of mutual benefits and cooperation, appropriately manage differences, and bring bilateral relations back on track,” Mao said.
There have been some positive steps, but it would be unrealistic to anticipate that all trade impediments are resolved immediately
“There have been some positive steps, but it would be unrealistic to anticipate that all trade impediments are resolved immediately,” said Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“It is in both countries’ interests for trade impediments to be removed.”
“China is Australia’s largest trading partner and remains a key economic partner for Australia. In our meeting, I advocated for the timely and full resumption of trade to China, which is in the interests of both countries,” Ayres said in a tweet following the meeting.
Imports of coal, lobsters and cotton have gradually returned to the Chinese market since February, although Australian products are set to face increased competition after being absent for nearly three years.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade “suspects” China did not agree to earlier visits by Farrell and Albanese and opted to postpone the trips as there are still a few investment issues to iron out, the source close to the Australian government said.
02:52
China warns Aukus against going down ‘dangerous road’ over nuclear-powered submarine pact
“They also didn’t want to be seen … rewarding the Australian leaders with early visits just after the Aukus announcement,” one of the sources added. “Perhaps they decided to let them wait awhile.”
Albanese travelled to Washington in mid-March to unveil the design for a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, which will be built with the help of the US and Britain.
“Aukus and US policy actions against China will remain a long-time shadow over the relationship and prevent it reaching its full potential,” the source added.
The source, though, noted that China expects Australia to remain guarded in its comments on subjects including Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
“These issues have the potential to upset the positive forward momentum in the relationship,” the source said.
