Albanese's first order of business is to get more Chinese tourists to Australia
This comes after the number of visitors from China is barely half of what it was before the COVID pandemic.
Tourism Australia will link up a new deal with the world's largest travel company in hopes of attracting more Chinese tourists.
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News.com.au
34 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Anthony Albanese meets Xi Jinping in Beijing
Anthony Albanese and Xi Jinping have met in Beijing, kicking off high level talks as Australia and China strive to focus on economic co-operation rather than their increasingly militaristic regional rivalry. The Chinese President, smiling, greeted his Australian guest in the East Hall - one of the many spacious ornate chambers in the Great Hall of the People. With the Australian and Chinese national flags adorning the walls, it was a welcome befitting the charm offensive waged on the Prime Minister since landing over the weekend. The leaders seated opposite a long polished table, Mr Xi praised Mr Albanese for fostering stronger ties. He pointed to past meetings as 'in depth discussions on the strategic overarching issues critical to the direction of China-Australia relations' 'And we've reached many common understandings with efforts from both sides,' Mr Xi said. 'The most important thing we can learn from this is that a commitment to equal treatment, to seeking common ground while sharing differences, pursuing mutually beneficial co-operation, for our countries and peoples.' Mr Albanese was keen to echo his host. 'It is my pleasure to meet with you again here today,' he said, adding that he 'very much' appreciated the Chinese hospitality. 'I note your comments in your opening remarks about seeking common ground while sharing differences,' he said. 'That approach has indeed produced very positive benefits for both Australia and for China.' Mr Albanese has been careful not to pre-empt how his meeting with the world's second-most powerful leader would go. He had a cruisey first leg of his state visit spruiking Australia's economic offerings and being wooed by Chinese officials and business leaders in the glitzy beauty of central Shanghai. But chasmic differences remain and both sides have indicated they will raise them despite efforts to keep things positive. Mr Albanese said he was looking forward to a 'productive conversation'. He said: 'Australia values our relationship with China, and we'll continue to approach it in a calm and consistent manner guided by our national interest. 'It is in our national interest, and indeed, in the interest of the region as well. 'It is important that we have these direct discussions on issues that matter to us, and to the stability and prosperity of our region. 'As you and I have agreed previously, dialogue needs to be at the centre of our relationship, and I welcome the opportunity to set out Australia's views and interests and our thinking on how we can maintain peace, security, stability and prosperity in our region.'
West Australian
an hour ago
- West Australian
CEOs urged to grow China trade, despite coercion threat
Australia's peak business lobby has played down concerns over Chinese economic coercion, saying increased trade between the two nations is actively encouraged. Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black said business leaders should continue to pursue diversification as an "inherent good in and of itself" while also strengthening ties with China. Australia's economic reliance on China was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Beijing imposed restrictions across $20 billion worth of key exports over political grievances with Canberra. At the time, Australia pursued a policy of trade diversification, successfully making up much of the trade shortfall with increased exports to countries such as Japan, South Korea and India. But since a thaw in relations with Zhongnanhai following Labor's election victory in 2022, trade between Australia and China has rebounded. Speaking ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Mr Black said the meeting would set the tone at a business-to-business level and send a signal that further engagement is welcome. But Australian CEOs should still be encouraged to diversify because it was good for business as well as managing risk. "So from our perspective, we say let's try and have the best possible relationship that we can with China. Let's try and make sure that we can establish trade opportunities that help jobs and businesses back home," he told reporters in Beijing. "But let's also concentrate on the engagements that we have overseas with countries like the United Arab Emirates, countries like India, countries like those in Southeast Asia." A risk remains that China could once again resort to economic penalties on Australia in retaliation for political disagreements. Speculation has emerged that Beijing could apply countermeasures if Canberra follows through on its plan to tear up a Chinese-owned company's lease of Darwin Port. An article by a Chinese state media-linked influencer suggested Beijing could restrict Australian imports, including iron ore trade valued at more than $100 billion, in response. Mr Black refused to say whether businesses were concerned about blowback from the Darwin Port decision, backing the government's right to make decisions regarding the national interest. In a press conference on Monday, Mr Albanese said he was not concerned about Chinese retaliation. "We had a very clear position that we want the port to go into Australian ownership," he told reporters in Shanghai. "We've been clear about it, we've been orderly about it, and we will go through that process."
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
CEOs urged to grow China trade, despite coercion threat
Australia's peak business lobby has played down concerns over Chinese economic coercion, saying increased trade between the two nations is actively encouraged. Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black said business leaders should continue to pursue diversification as an "inherent good in and of itself" while also strengthening ties with China. Australia's economic reliance on China was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Beijing imposed restrictions across $20 billion worth of key exports over political grievances with Canberra. At the time, Australia pursued a policy of trade diversification, successfully making up much of the trade shortfall with increased exports to countries such as Japan, South Korea and India. But since a thaw in relations with Zhongnanhai following Labor's election victory in 2022, trade between Australia and China has rebounded. Speaking ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Mr Black said the meeting would set the tone at a business-to-business level and send a signal that further engagement is welcome. But Australian CEOs should still be encouraged to diversify because it was good for business as well as managing risk. "So from our perspective, we say let's try and have the best possible relationship that we can with China. Let's try and make sure that we can establish trade opportunities that help jobs and businesses back home," he told reporters in Beijing. "But let's also concentrate on the engagements that we have overseas with countries like the United Arab Emirates, countries like India, countries like those in Southeast Asia." A risk remains that China could once again resort to economic penalties on Australia in retaliation for political disagreements. Speculation has emerged that Beijing could apply countermeasures if Canberra follows through on its plan to tear up a Chinese-owned company's lease of Darwin Port. An article by a Chinese state media-linked influencer suggested Beijing could restrict Australian imports, including iron ore trade valued at more than $100 billion, in response. Mr Black refused to say whether businesses were concerned about blowback from the Darwin Port decision, backing the government's right to make decisions regarding the national interest. In a press conference on Monday, Mr Albanese said he was not concerned about Chinese retaliation. "We had a very clear position that we want the port to go into Australian ownership," he told reporters in Shanghai. "We've been clear about it, we've been orderly about it, and we will go through that process."
