On March 20, 2024, the main theme of the meeting between the foreign ministers of Australia and China was stability in bilateral relations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his counterpart Penny Wong in Canberra as part of his tour of Australia and New Zealand. This marked the highest-level meeting between the two parties in Australia since 2017. During the previous government in Australia, a series of trade measures were imposed on China, leading to escalating tensions in the region. Following a turbulent period, both parties are taking mutual steps to restore bilateral relations.[1]
In her statement following the meeting, Wong remarked, “A stable relationship between Australia and China does not emerge spontaneously. It requires constant effort. This was the latest meeting in that process.” While acknowledging significant differences between the two countries, Wong emphasized the continuation of efforts to preserve common interests. She stated, “We will collaborate where we can, but we will also respectfully disagree where necessary, and we will manage those differences wisely.”[2]
Among the differences that emerged on March 20, 2024, legal issues were also on the agenda. Additionally, discussions included the removal of recent trade tariffs imposed by China in 2020 on wine, rock lobsters, and certain abattoirs.[3] Wong used the following statements on the subject: [4]
“We take pride in our wine, lobsters, and beef, and we believe that Chinese consumers will benefit from accessing these products in the Chinese market without any barriers. We also consider this to be in the interests of both countries.”
In his statement before his meeting with Wong, Wang Yi used the following statements:[5]
“The past decade has left us with lessons to learn and valuable experiences. Relationships are currently on the right track, so we should not hesitate, allow deviation from the course, or regress.”
Wang has become the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit Australia since Prime Minister Li Keqiang’s meeting with former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in 2017. According to both foreign ministers, plans for the current Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang to visit Australia are “on track.” The visit is expected to take place in mid-2024. Before heading to Sydney for further meetings on March 20, Wang will have a brief meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Additionally, Wang has met with his counterpart Winston Peters, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and the country’s trade minister in New Zealand.[6]
Firstly, it is important to emphasize that visits of this nature are crucial for assessing the state of relations between countries, addressing issues, and identifying opportunities for cooperation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Australia underscores the significance of the relationship between the two countries and endeavors to enhance and advance relations on a stable footing.
Secondly, it highlights efforts to resolve trade disputes and enhance trade relations. Steps such as the removal of tariffs can be seen as positive measures towards revitalizing trade and strengthening economic ties.
In this context, it indicates promising opportunities for future cooperation. The mention that plans for Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang to visit Australia are “on track” suggests the potential for positive developments in future relations.
However, alongside these positive steps, it is also important to consider the differences and sensitive issues between the two countries. Trade policies and other international relations matters are significant areas that require balanced management of relations.
In conclusion, these developments underscore the complexity and various dimensions of the relationship between Australia and China, emphasizing the need for efforts to enhance relations between the two countries. It is crucial to both preserve common interests and intelligently manage differences, enabling the establishment of a stable and constructive relationship.
[1] “Australia Gets its Most Senior Chinese Leadership Visit Since 2017 as Relations Thaw Further”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/australia-china-yang-wong-trade-tariffs-b1e5eb1a0ff21df049fc03c08ba270ac, (Access date: 20.03.2024).
[2] “Australia Gets its Most Senior Chinese Leadership Visit Since 2017 as Relations Thaw Further”, Press Trust of India, https://www.ptinews.com/story/international/australia-gets-its-most-senior-chinese-leadership-visit-since-2017-as-relations-thaw-further/1370332, (Access date: 20.03.2024).
[3] “Australia Gets Its Most Senior Chinese Leadership Since 2017”, Start News Global, https://stratnewsglobal.com/world-news/australia-gets-its-most-senior-chinese-leadership-since-2017/, (Access date: 20.03.2024).
[4] “Australia Gets its Most Senior Chinese Leadership Visit Since 2017 as Relations Thaw Further”, Barchart, https://www.barchart.com/story/news/24912513/australia-gets-its-most-senior-chinese-leadership-visit-since-2017-as-relations-thaw-further, (Access date: 20.03.2024).
[5] “Australia Gets its Most Senior Chinese Leadership Visit Since 2017 as Relations Thaw Further”, Press Trust of India, https://www.ptinews.com/story/international/australia-gets-its-most-senior-chinese-leadership-visit-since-2017-as-relations-thaw-further/1370332, (Access date: 20.03.2024).
[6] “Australia Gets its Most Senior Chinese Leadership Visit Since 2017 as Relations Thaw Further”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/australia-china-yang-wong-trade-tariffs-b1e5eb1a0ff21df049fc03c08ba270ac, (Access date: 20.03.2024).
