China and Australia look to ‘mutual benefit’ after difficult few years
Al JazeeraOct 29, 2023
China's Premier Visits Australia for Bilateral Talks
Above: Chinese Premier Li Qiang shakes hands with Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on June 17, 2024 in Canberra, Australia. Image copyright: Mick Tsikas/Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
China's second-most powerful leader, Li Qiang, met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday — the first state visit by a Chinese premier to the country in seven years.
Albanese hosted Li at the Parliament House in Canberra for talks both parties described as candid, marking the stabilization in relations between both countries after a hostile era.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
This is a positive step for bilateral relations between the two Asia-Pacific partners. Albanese has struck a conciliatory note following his bellicose predecessor, and both sides are sincere in their desire to repair relations. China is Australia's biggest trading partner, and they will hopefully see the benefits of cordial relations.
Anti-China narrative
Australia should not become sycophants to Beijing, as China's abysmal human rights record has real consequences for Australian citizens. An Australian-Chinese academic has received a suspended death sentence in China and dissidents in Australia are having their voices go unheard. Canberra should not humor an authoritarian regime.