The relationship between Australia and China, which had been strained, is showing signs of improvement. The Chinese Premier is set to visit Australia within the year with the return of the pandas expected to be delayed due to China’s favor.
On the 20th, after a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that Australia is preparing for the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang this year. The two countries, which had been at odds for years over issues such as the investigation into the cause of COVID-19 and tariffs, have become rapidly closer after the Labor Party’s Anthony Albanese took power two years ago.
Minister Wong said she discussed human rights, tariffs, defense, and regional security with Minister Wang Yi. The last time a Chinese foreign minister visited Australia was in 2017, and Minister Wang Yi’s visit signals a thaw in diplomatic relations.
Minister Wong said, “We expect to have candid discussions on Australians detained in China, human rights, maritime security, safety, and regional issues such as the Pacific region, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and conflicts in the Middle East.”
She added, “Through dialogue, we can manage differences,” emphasizing the importance of face-to-face diplomacy. She also stressed that she expressed “serious concern about dangerous behavior at sea, our aspirations for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and our region” in the meeting regarding the friction with the Chinese navy in the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, the two pandas sent to Australia as part of China’s “Panda Diplomacy” are expected to stay longer. The pandas, which have been on lease since 2009, are supposed to return to China this year. Still, China will extend its stay in Adelaide, Australia, due to the normalization of diplomatic relations. Minister Wong told reporters, “We are on a good path to keep the pandas here.”