BEIJING, China: Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, arrived in Shanghai on Saturday for a high stakes visit aimed at reinforcing recently mended trade ties with China, even as regional tensions and national security concerns loom large.
The trip – Albanese’s second as prime minister – marks a push to consolidate gains after years of diplomatic friction.
Relations between Beijing and Canberra soured in 2017 over national security clashes and strategic rivalry across the Pacific.
Ties began thawing late last year when China lifted its ban on Australian rock lobster, ending a damaging trade war.
“Trade is now flowing freely, to the benefit of both countries,” Albanese said ahead of the trip, which includes stops in Beijing and Chengdu and runs through Friday.
Albanese, welcomed warmly in Shanghai, said he would raise “the full range of issues” with Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping – acknowledging the delicate balancing act between economic engagement and strategic caution.
“We cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and have honest conversations when needed,” he said.
Beijing’s foreign ministry struck an optimistic tone, saying ties had “continued to improve”, with hopes to “expand practical cooperation”.
But the backdrop is far from smooth. China’s expansive territorial claims, particularly in the South China Sea, continue to raise alarms.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs have rattled allies and prompted Canberra to diversify its economic links – complicating Australia’s alignment with Washington.
“The visit won’t be a walk in the park,” said Huong Le Thu of the International Crisis Group. “Albanese must balance deepening trade with China while managing alliance obligations to Trump’s America.”
Tensions persist despite recent goodwill. In February, Australia banned Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek from government devices, citing security risks.
The same month, a midair incident between Chinese and Australian military planes reignited friction.
Another flashpoint: the Chinese-controlled Darwin Port, which may soon face forced divestment by Canberra.
“Beijing wants to signal a return to normalcy in ties,” said Jingdong Yuan of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. “But it also hopes Trump’s abrasive diplomacy nudges Australia to rethink its closeness to the US.”
Despite the complexities, China remains Australia’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly a third of total trade.
Albanese is joined by top business leaders, with a CEO roundtable in Beijing and sideline engagements on tourism and sport in Shanghai and Chengdu. – AFP
