ExclusiveChina 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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Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell speaks to China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao during a meeting via teleconference. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP/dpa

Published: 1:00pm, 4 Apr 2023Updated: 4:21pm, 4 Apr 2023

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.

“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

Source close to the Australia government

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.

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.

“[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.

Farrell wanted to go to Beijing in March before the annual “two sessions” meetings and news on March 14 that Australia is set to acquire nuclear-powered submarines as part of the Aukus pact with the United States and Britain, but “China said no” as there are still trade and investment issues to resolve.