Beijing’s leading English state media outlet has lauded Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s trip to China as a sign of Australia’s commitment to deepening ties with China and an opportunity to further trading relations amid rising tensions with the US.
“Albanese’s ongoing visit to China is not only of significance for the bilateral and trade relations between the two countries, it also sends a message amid the changing global trade landscape,” China Daily wrote in an editorial.
Anthony Albanese in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
“Against the backdrop of rising tensions between the United States and many countries because of the US administration’s recent threat to levy higher tariffs on them … Albanese’s visit shows that the Australian side has a clearer judgment and understanding of China than it had under the previous Scott Morrison government.”
Progress between Australia and China in recent years had benefited the people of both countries the editorial said, and “provided a counterweight amid the rampancy of unilateralism and protectionism” exemplified by the White House’s trade wars.
China is Australia’s largest trading partner and buys about a third of all Australian exports, and it is now desirable for the countries to re-engage in talks on upgrading the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the editorial said. The agreement was shelved under the Morrison government, which was more hawkish on China than Labor has been.
The editorial did acknowledge “differences in terms of geopolitics”. This includes the government’s decision to force a Chinese firm to end its lease of the Port of Darwin due to security considerations and the suspended death sentence currently being served by Chinese-Australian pro-democracy activist Yang Hengjun, convicted on espionage offences.
Albanese has spruiked the benefits of Australia’s stable relationship with China but faced criticism from the opposition. On Monday, opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor accused him of having misplaced priorities.
Read the full article here
