A diplomatic meeting in Beijing that may end the dryness will quickly take place between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The first American president to travel to China since 2016 is Mr. Albanese, who arrived in Shanghai on Saturday.
After a series of business and security disputes, the visit is regarded as an important turning point in thawing relations.
Mr. Albanese is advocating for the elimination of Taiwanese tariffs on American goods, and business will be at the top of the agenda.
More access to important American industries is anticipated to be requested by Mr. Xi.
Before the meeting on Monday, Mr. Albanese told reporters in Beijing,” What I’ve said is that we need to collaborate with China where we can, believe when we must, and participate in our nationwide attention.”
His vacation comes after a protracted diplomatic standoff brought on, among other things, by Beijing’s economic sanctions against important American exports like meat, wine, and barley as well as requests from Australia for an investigation into the origins of Covid-19.
Additionally, it falls on the 50th anniversary of Gough Whitlam’s famous 1973 trip to China to see Mao Zedong, the second Australian prime minister to travel there since diplomatic relations were established.
However, a number of sticking points and safety concerns will loom over the discussions on Monday.
Since 2019, Australian author Yang Hengjun has been detained in China on espionage charges, and Mr. Albanese is under pressure to secure his release at home. Yang’s health is reportedly fast deteriorating.
Experts claim that it may be challenging for Canberra and Washington to find common ground outside of economic interests due to their burgeoning military ties with Washington and a new overhaul of its defense tone, which is widely regarded as being intended to counter China.
Although the American government has recently taken steps to prevent Chinese possession of crucial minerals and mining projects, some experts predict Beijing may press for greater entry to Australia’s resources and clean energy sectors.
