Sign in Subscribe
Prime ministers

China and Australia Seek to Stabilise Trade Ties

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Chinese President Xi Jinping has welcomed Australia's move to rebuild relations between the two nations, stating that ties have "turned around" as the two countries stress dialogue to address global tensions. The comments came during a meeting between Xi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which aimed to boost economic cooperation between the two countries. The six-day visit by Albanese, his second as prime minister, seeks to strengthen economic ties with China, Australia's top trading partner.

Albanese welcomed the opportunity to discuss Australia's views and interests with Xi, stressing the importance of dialogue in the relationship between the two countries. He stated that Australia values its relationship with China and will continue to approach it in a calm and consistent manner, guided by its national interest.

China has been seeking to capitalise on the trade tensions between the US and its allies, presenting itself as a stable and reliable partner. Australia has pursued a policy of "cooperate where we can, disagree where we must" under Albanese, while China has expressed interest in expanding a decade-old free trade deal and cooperating in artificial intelligence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Relations between China and Australia have improved in recent months, with Xi stating that ties have "turned around".
  • A six-day visit by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aims to boost economic cooperation with China, Australia's top trading partner.
  • Albanese stressed the importance of dialogue in the relationship between the two countries, stating that Australia values its relationship with China.
  • China has been seeking to capitalise on the trade tensions between the US and its allies, presenting itself as a stable and reliable partner.
  • Australia has pursued a policy of "cooperate where we can, disagree where we must" under Albanese.
  • China has expressed interest in expanding a decade-old free trade deal and cooperating in artificial intelligence.

Statistics:

  • Australia and China have a long history of trade tensions, with repeated disagreements over national security and competing interests across the Pacific region.
  • The trade war between the two countries lasted from 2017 to 2025.
  • China has called off a ban on imported Australian rock lobster, removing the final obstacle to ending a damaging trade war waged between the countries.
  • Australia regards the US as its major security ally and has pursued a policy of "cooperate where we can, disagree where we must" under Albanese.
  • China's economy has grown at a steady pace despite the trade war with the US, with a growth rate of [citation needed].

Sources:

  • Xi Jinping (2025) - Chinese President
  • Anthony Albanese (2025) - Australian Prime Minister
  • Al Jazeera (2025) - News website
  • China Daily (2025) - State-owned newspaper
  • Katrina Yu (2025) - Al Jazeera reporter

Read more