Latest news with #Xiao
New Paper
5 days ago
- New Paper
Foreigners charged with bribing officers to prolong stay and sell sex drugs
A group of Chinese nationals allegedly planned to get caught offering bribes to enforcement officers, so that they could prolong their stay in Singapore while investigations were ongoing. Their plan was to obtain special passes and sell illegal sex enhancement medications while out on bail, said the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) on July 18. The mastermind behind the scheme is believed to be a Singaporean drug abuser, who has been arrested and is being investigated by the Central Narcotics Bureau. On July 18, five of the foreigners were charged with corruption. Xiao Xiezhi, 43, faces three charges of allegedly offering bribes amounting to $400 to three National Environment Agency (NEA) enforcement officers on Jan 22 after being caught smoking under a bus stop shelter. Xu Zhishen, 37, faces two charges of allegedly offering bribes of $119 to two police officers on April 27 in the vicinity of Sri Mariamman Temple in South Bridge Road. Xu Bixin, 31, faces one charge of allegedly trying to bribe a police officer with $70 on May 3 to not conduct an identity check on him. Huang Chuangshun, 40, faces two charges of allegedly offering $100 in bribes to two NEA officers on June 23 after they caught him smoking at a non-designated smoking area in Orchard. Lin Liangjun, 32, faces four charges of allegedly offering $160 in bribes to four police officers on June 24 to refrain from taking enforcement action against him for his involvement in a traffic accident, by not inquiring further on his identity. All 12 officers rejected the bribes. Xiao being taken back to the scene in Geylang Lorong 20 by CPIB officers on July 17. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO The foreigners were caught and previously released on agency bail. CPIB investigations found that the accused persons had allegedly paid their bailors to facilitate their bail and bail extensions. While previously out on bail and pending investigations, the men were issued special passes, allowing them to remain in Singapore. Foreigners issued with special passes are not allowed to work here, unless they have valid work passes. The men allegedly sold illegal sexual enhancement medications while out on bail. One of the accused, Xiao, was taken back to the scene in Geylang Lorong 20 by CPIB officers on July 17. He had allegedly handed money to bailors outside the New Cathay Hotel there. The area is a known hub of illicit activity, where illegal sex drugs are often seen being sold openly by street peddlers. Several makeshift roadside booths were seen with such products on display even as the media and CPIB officers were in the area. Investigations into the scheme are ongoing. The prosecutor told the court the men should not be granted bail as they had committed offences after being out on bail previously. She added that they previously paid their bailors to stand as bailors for them, and there is a risk of them colluding and committing more offences. She said: "If the accused persons are released on bail, there is a real risk of collusion, not just among themselves but with other individuals who are currently being investigated." The judge ordered for the men to be remanded without bail. Their cases will be heard again on Aug 1. Xiao allegedly handed money to bailors outside the New Cathay Hotel in Geylang. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO Those convicted of bribery can be jailed for up to five years and fined up to $100,000. CPIB said it looks into all corruption-related complaints and reports, including anonymous ones. Reports can be made online; by e-mailing report@ by calling 1800-376-0000; or by mailing CPIB Headquarters @ 2 Lengkok Bahru, S159047. CPIB said where possible, the report should include where, when and how the alleged corrupt act happened; who was involved and their roles; and what bribe was given and favour shown.
The Star
6 days ago
- The Star
Mount Rinjani: Adventure turns to tragedy
The death of 26-year old Brazilian Juliana de Souza Pereira Marins at Mount Rinjani in Indonesia recently could have possibly been avoided. Allegedly, she had wandered off by herself in the dark, then slipped and fell at Cemara Tunggal, believed to be one of the most treacherous sections of the trail. No one is certain of what had really happened in the wee hours of June 21. The place she fell was slightly above Pelawangan Sembalun (2,639m), the rest stop and camping site for climbers before their final push to the summit. Climbers normally start their ascent at 2am from there in order to catch the sunrise on the summit of Rinjani (3,726m), Indonesia's second highest peak. It is said that Marins fell 300m down the ravine and was discovered by other climbers and guides at around 6.30am. At about 10am, a Malaysian climber named Xiao E Ching and her friends, who were descending the mountain, came across the group. Since Xiao had a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone with her, the group asked if she could use it to help locate Marins. Xiao and her friends made two attempts flying the drone before finding her, and then they flew the drone back and forth a few more times to send Marins a message, and to make sure she stayed awake. Unfortunately, the drone ran out of battery soon after. According to Xiao, in the two to three hours that she and her friends were there, there were several attempts to contact authorities, rescue teams and even Marins' family, though Xiao also said that connection on the mountain wasn't great. Xiao uploaded a clip from her drone footage on her Instagram page after she descended, with a detailed description of what took place when she was there. A photo taken on June 23 by Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency showing rescue workers attempting to evacuate Marins at Rinjani. — Photos: Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency/AFP Indonesia's Search and Rescue (SAR) team was heavily criticised for their purportedly 'slow' actions. According to reports, when the team arrived, they descended to where they believed she was located but could not find her. She also did not respond when they called out to her. On Sunday morning, park authorities said in a statement that because of thick fog and worsening weather, rescue efforts were stalled as the thermal drones used to locate Marins could not function properly. On Monday, the team finally located Marins about 300m from where she was first found. Unfortunately, bad weather again stalled rescue efforts. On Tuesday, rescuers managed to reach Marins after descending about 600m down a ravine, but she was no longer alive. Finally, on Wednesday, authorities managed to retrieve her body. During the ordeal, news of Marins' fall spread like wildfire. Even Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto's official social media accounts were reportedly inundated by calls for quick action. To be fair to the rescuers, Rinjani is a tough and unpredictable mountain. Like most developing countries, Indonesia does not have rapid-response SAR teams stationed on the mountains, or one that is equipped with state-of-the-art rescue technology and supported by aerial and ground assets. Rinjani is a monster despite its beauty and majesty. It is the pride of Indonesia. The area that makes up the Rinjani National Park is indeed a natural wonder. For me, the skyline is postcard-perfect and the vistas are unparalleled with anywhere else in the world. The Pelawangan Sembalun Crater Rim is also one of nature's most beautiful places. These are just some of the reasons why thousands of people choose to scale the mountain, or at least attempt to do so. However, Rinjani is not an easy climb, and can be a 'killer', especially to inexperienced hikers. For me, it is probably the third most dangerous mountain to climb in Indonesia after Gunung Raung (3,332m) and Piramid Bondowoso (1,521m). There are three routes or jalur going up to Rinjani: Senaru, Torean and the popular Sembalun, which is the route Marins and her group had taken. The routes merge at Pelawangan Sembalun, the gateway to the summit. I agree that the weather there is notoriously unpredictable, and that this caused the rescue mission to lag. But I also think that most of the time the SAR team was hindered by a lack of proper equipment as it would take time to bring up necessary tools from 2,800m below. These days, mountain climbing is seen as more of a 'social media activity' than what it used to be – an outdoor adventure sport. Every other climber can be seen recording themselves doing the trek, either with their phone, camera or even drone. Sometimes, some climbers even film themself 'live' and giving commentary to their audiences. It's the trend, the in thing to do. Everyone wants a piece of this adventure, which makes for great content on social media, and the 'likes' and comments that come with it. I noticed that even some of the SAR team members were recording their every move. Clips were shown on television too, showing all the action, drama and even banter. One of the volunteer rescuers, hailed as a hero, was on every channel. It's little wonder that the Brazilian public was incensed. The team took four days to retrieve Marins' body; the results of the autopsy in Indonesia further angered them. According to the Indonesian autopsy report, Marins died 20 minutes after her fall but Xiao's drone footage showed that she was still alive at around 10am, almost four hours after the fall. A second autopsy was done in Brazil at the request of Marins' family. Yes, everyone can climb Rinjani, or any other mountain for that matter. There is no prohibition to climb Rinjani, even if you have never even climbed a hill before. But Rinjani is crowded. At least 100,000 people attempted to climb the mountain last year – that's an average of 8,000 people a month. There are many companies offering a variety of climbing packages but in most cases they don't tell you the truth about this 'adventure of a lifetime'. Unlike most mountains in Indonesia, you are exposed to the elements of weather early on in Rinjani. Strong winds, rain and the scorching heat can be punishing to any climber. As you go further up, the sandy grounds become tough to walk on, as are the pebble trails. Fatigue will slow you down; the sun will beat you down, too. The wind can be atrocious, and when it rains, it pours. This is when the trail will become dangerously slippery. I went through hell attempting to summit Rinjani two decades ago. My friends and I were beaten by the elements, but not without first trying our hardest. I remember that it rained for two days – we retreated after breaching the 2,700m mark. We were just happy that we were safe. Marins will probably be forgotten someday, like many who have perished or gotten seriously injured there. But people will still flock to Rinjani for the extreme challenge and experience, and to create content for their social media. And hubris, too. But one should never take Rinjani lightly. The views expressed are entirely the writer's own. Johan Jaaffar is an avid trekker and mountaineer. He celebrated his 70th birthday at the peak of Gunung Batur in Bali, Indonesia in 2023, and trekked the world- famous Langtang Valley trail in Nepal last September.
Independent Singapore
13-07-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Loanshark threatens to kill borrower's entire family over S$27 outstanding balance
Photo: Depositphotos/ Seasonpost (for illustration purposes only) MALAYSIA: A 42-year-old man has revealed that a loan shark has threatened to kill his entire family over an outstanding balance of just RM90 (approximately S$27). According to a report by Oriental Daily, the borrower named Xiao (transliterated from Mandarin) said he initially borrowed RM1,500 (S$452) last month to help with cash flow difficulties. But when the money was disbursed, he received only RM1,000 (S$301), as the lender retained RM500 as an upfront fee. Mr Xiao told the Malaysian daily that he diligently repaid the loan together with the interest demanded. Despite having settled what he believed was the full amount owed, he was later informed that he still had an outstanding balance of RM90. To his shock, the lender claimed that under their so-called 'regulations,' he was required to pay an additional 'fine' of RM1,500. Mr Xiao said he did not agree to their demand but the loanshark refused to negotiate and instead threatened to kill his entire family. See also BREAKING: Dr Mahathir resigns as Prime Minister of Malaysia Mr Xiao said began receiving repeated menacing text messages warning that hired killers would be sent to carry out the threats if he did not comply. He described feeling deeply unsettled and fearful for his family's safety. The incident highlights the ruthless tactics employed by illegal moneylenders, who often prey on financially vulnerable individuals and enforce repayment through intimidation and violence. Such cases have been reported across Malaysia in recent years, prompting warnings from authorities and community organisations about the dangers of dealing with unlicensed lenders. Investigations are ongoing. () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
China wants AI in expanded trade deal with Australia
Strengthening ties between Chinese and Australian artificial intelligence researchers could be on the agenda when the prime minister visits China this week, as Beijing seeks to capitalise on trade tensions with the US. With President Donald Trump's tariffs straining relations with Australia's traditionally closest ally, China's top diplomat in Australia Xiao Qian has called for greater collaboration in fields like AI, healthcare and green energy under a revised free-trade deal between the two nations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to China on Saturday comes as the Sino-Australian relationship continues to build following a downturn in relations under former Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison. "China and Australia are natural partners with complementary economic strengths," Mr Xiao wrote in an opinion piece published in the Australian Financial Review on Monday. "Standing at a new historical starting point, now is the time to advance bilateral relations with steady progress." Trade volumes between the two nations have bounced back after China lifted sanctions on Australian exports. The ambassador believes Mr Albanese's visit marks an opportunity to broaden the terms of the 10-year-old free-trade agreement. "We are willing to review the agreement with a more open attitude and higher standard, further consolidate co-operation in traditional areas such as agriculture and mining, and actively explore new growth areas in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, healthcare, green energy, and the digital economy, elevating practical co-operation to new heights," Mr Xiao wrote. The promotion of AI ties, amid the Albanese government's agenda to boost productivity, follows similar provisions in recently signed trade deals between Australia and partners such as Singapore, the UK and the UAE. These clauses encourage sharing AI research and commercialisation opportunities between the countries, as well as promoting its responsible use. There are attractive opportunities to deepen research collaboration in the fundamental science of AI, even though there are challenges to expanding the use of Chinese AI programs in Australia, said UNSW Professor Toby Walsh. "It's going to be very hard for us to have too deep relationships within terms of AI, because you can touch upon things like data sovereignty and various other things that we value," the AI expert told AAP. "It's not like just sending them gold and they take it, and that's the end of the partnership. "Sharing technologies like AI could pose significant national security and other risks." Allowing Chinese tech companies access to the Australian market has been a sore spot in the bilateral relationship. In 2018, then-Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull banned the Chinese tech giant Huawei from developing 5G infrastructure in Australia over concerns the Chinese government could force the company to hand over Australians' data or interfere with the network. The decision prompted strenuous protests from Beijing and was a factor behind a subsequent diplomatic fallout. Prof Walsh said there were still areas where collaboration could be beneficial without forfeiting Australian security. "It's about exchanging people, it's training, it's us going to work with them and them coming to work with us," he said. "So it's things that we've always done in terms of scientific exchange, supercharging our science, supercharging their science, and then building our own business off the back of that scientific knowledge. "China will be interested in partnering with us. "We have wonderful medical data, and we have a joined-up healthcare system. "There's huge value in those national data sets we have that no one else has." As the US drives a wedge through a fragmenting global order, Mr Xiao framed China as a like-minded partner for Australia - one that shares Australia's interests in pushing back against unilateralism and protectionism. China is willing to work with Australia to strengthen multilateral organisations like the United Nations and ASEAN, safeguard regional peace and the international rules-based order, and advocate for free trade, the ambassador said. Assistant Trade Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said the government was seeking to strengthen access to China - Australia's largest trading partner - in the best interests of Australians. Strengthening ties between Chinese and Australian artificial intelligence researchers could be on the agenda when the prime minister visits China this week, as Beijing seeks to capitalise on trade tensions with the US. With President Donald Trump's tariffs straining relations with Australia's traditionally closest ally, China's top diplomat in Australia Xiao Qian has called for greater collaboration in fields like AI, healthcare and green energy under a revised free-trade deal between the two nations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to China on Saturday comes as the Sino-Australian relationship continues to build following a downturn in relations under former Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison. "China and Australia are natural partners with complementary economic strengths," Mr Xiao wrote in an opinion piece published in the Australian Financial Review on Monday. "Standing at a new historical starting point, now is the time to advance bilateral relations with steady progress." Trade volumes between the two nations have bounced back after China lifted sanctions on Australian exports. The ambassador believes Mr Albanese's visit marks an opportunity to broaden the terms of the 10-year-old free-trade agreement. "We are willing to review the agreement with a more open attitude and higher standard, further consolidate co-operation in traditional areas such as agriculture and mining, and actively explore new growth areas in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, healthcare, green energy, and the digital economy, elevating practical co-operation to new heights," Mr Xiao wrote. The promotion of AI ties, amid the Albanese government's agenda to boost productivity, follows similar provisions in recently signed trade deals between Australia and partners such as Singapore, the UK and the UAE. These clauses encourage sharing AI research and commercialisation opportunities between the countries, as well as promoting its responsible use. There are attractive opportunities to deepen research collaboration in the fundamental science of AI, even though there are challenges to expanding the use of Chinese AI programs in Australia, said UNSW Professor Toby Walsh. "It's going to be very hard for us to have too deep relationships within terms of AI, because you can touch upon things like data sovereignty and various other things that we value," the AI expert told AAP. "It's not like just sending them gold and they take it, and that's the end of the partnership. "Sharing technologies like AI could pose significant national security and other risks." Allowing Chinese tech companies access to the Australian market has been a sore spot in the bilateral relationship. In 2018, then-Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull banned the Chinese tech giant Huawei from developing 5G infrastructure in Australia over concerns the Chinese government could force the company to hand over Australians' data or interfere with the network. The decision prompted strenuous protests from Beijing and was a factor behind a subsequent diplomatic fallout. Prof Walsh said there were still areas where collaboration could be beneficial without forfeiting Australian security. "It's about exchanging people, it's training, it's us going to work with them and them coming to work with us," he said. "So it's things that we've always done in terms of scientific exchange, supercharging our science, supercharging their science, and then building our own business off the back of that scientific knowledge. "China will be interested in partnering with us. "We have wonderful medical data, and we have a joined-up healthcare system. "There's huge value in those national data sets we have that no one else has." As the US drives a wedge through a fragmenting global order, Mr Xiao framed China as a like-minded partner for Australia - one that shares Australia's interests in pushing back against unilateralism and protectionism. China is willing to work with Australia to strengthen multilateral organisations like the United Nations and ASEAN, safeguard regional peace and the international rules-based order, and advocate for free trade, the ambassador said. Assistant Trade Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said the government was seeking to strengthen access to China - Australia's largest trading partner - in the best interests of Australians. Strengthening ties between Chinese and Australian artificial intelligence researchers could be on the agenda when the prime minister visits China this week, as Beijing seeks to capitalise on trade tensions with the US. With President Donald Trump's tariffs straining relations with Australia's traditionally closest ally, China's top diplomat in Australia Xiao Qian has called for greater collaboration in fields like AI, healthcare and green energy under a revised free-trade deal between the two nations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to China on Saturday comes as the Sino-Australian relationship continues to build following a downturn in relations under former Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison. "China and Australia are natural partners with complementary economic strengths," Mr Xiao wrote in an opinion piece published in the Australian Financial Review on Monday. "Standing at a new historical starting point, now is the time to advance bilateral relations with steady progress." Trade volumes between the two nations have bounced back after China lifted sanctions on Australian exports. The ambassador believes Mr Albanese's visit marks an opportunity to broaden the terms of the 10-year-old free-trade agreement. "We are willing to review the agreement with a more open attitude and higher standard, further consolidate co-operation in traditional areas such as agriculture and mining, and actively explore new growth areas in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, healthcare, green energy, and the digital economy, elevating practical co-operation to new heights," Mr Xiao wrote. The promotion of AI ties, amid the Albanese government's agenda to boost productivity, follows similar provisions in recently signed trade deals between Australia and partners such as Singapore, the UK and the UAE. These clauses encourage sharing AI research and commercialisation opportunities between the countries, as well as promoting its responsible use. There are attractive opportunities to deepen research collaboration in the fundamental science of AI, even though there are challenges to expanding the use of Chinese AI programs in Australia, said UNSW Professor Toby Walsh. "It's going to be very hard for us to have too deep relationships within terms of AI, because you can touch upon things like data sovereignty and various other things that we value," the AI expert told AAP. "It's not like just sending them gold and they take it, and that's the end of the partnership. "Sharing technologies like AI could pose significant national security and other risks." Allowing Chinese tech companies access to the Australian market has been a sore spot in the bilateral relationship. In 2018, then-Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull banned the Chinese tech giant Huawei from developing 5G infrastructure in Australia over concerns the Chinese government could force the company to hand over Australians' data or interfere with the network. The decision prompted strenuous protests from Beijing and was a factor behind a subsequent diplomatic fallout. Prof Walsh said there were still areas where collaboration could be beneficial without forfeiting Australian security. "It's about exchanging people, it's training, it's us going to work with them and them coming to work with us," he said. "So it's things that we've always done in terms of scientific exchange, supercharging our science, supercharging their science, and then building our own business off the back of that scientific knowledge. "China will be interested in partnering with us. "We have wonderful medical data, and we have a joined-up healthcare system. "There's huge value in those national data sets we have that no one else has." As the US drives a wedge through a fragmenting global order, Mr Xiao framed China as a like-minded partner for Australia - one that shares Australia's interests in pushing back against unilateralism and protectionism. China is willing to work with Australia to strengthen multilateral organisations like the United Nations and ASEAN, safeguard regional peace and the international rules-based order, and advocate for free trade, the ambassador said. Assistant Trade Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said the government was seeking to strengthen access to China - Australia's largest trading partner - in the best interests of Australians. Strengthening ties between Chinese and Australian artificial intelligence researchers could be on the agenda when the prime minister visits China this week, as Beijing seeks to capitalise on trade tensions with the US. With President Donald Trump's tariffs straining relations with Australia's traditionally closest ally, China's top diplomat in Australia Xiao Qian has called for greater collaboration in fields like AI, healthcare and green energy under a revised free-trade deal between the two nations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to China on Saturday comes as the Sino-Australian relationship continues to build following a downturn in relations under former Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison. "China and Australia are natural partners with complementary economic strengths," Mr Xiao wrote in an opinion piece published in the Australian Financial Review on Monday. "Standing at a new historical starting point, now is the time to advance bilateral relations with steady progress." Trade volumes between the two nations have bounced back after China lifted sanctions on Australian exports. The ambassador believes Mr Albanese's visit marks an opportunity to broaden the terms of the 10-year-old free-trade agreement. "We are willing to review the agreement with a more open attitude and higher standard, further consolidate co-operation in traditional areas such as agriculture and mining, and actively explore new growth areas in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, healthcare, green energy, and the digital economy, elevating practical co-operation to new heights," Mr Xiao wrote. The promotion of AI ties, amid the Albanese government's agenda to boost productivity, follows similar provisions in recently signed trade deals between Australia and partners such as Singapore, the UK and the UAE. These clauses encourage sharing AI research and commercialisation opportunities between the countries, as well as promoting its responsible use. There are attractive opportunities to deepen research collaboration in the fundamental science of AI, even though there are challenges to expanding the use of Chinese AI programs in Australia, said UNSW Professor Toby Walsh. "It's going to be very hard for us to have too deep relationships within terms of AI, because you can touch upon things like data sovereignty and various other things that we value," the AI expert told AAP. "It's not like just sending them gold and they take it, and that's the end of the partnership. "Sharing technologies like AI could pose significant national security and other risks." Allowing Chinese tech companies access to the Australian market has been a sore spot in the bilateral relationship. In 2018, then-Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull banned the Chinese tech giant Huawei from developing 5G infrastructure in Australia over concerns the Chinese government could force the company to hand over Australians' data or interfere with the network. The decision prompted strenuous protests from Beijing and was a factor behind a subsequent diplomatic fallout. Prof Walsh said there were still areas where collaboration could be beneficial without forfeiting Australian security. "It's about exchanging people, it's training, it's us going to work with them and them coming to work with us," he said. "So it's things that we've always done in terms of scientific exchange, supercharging our science, supercharging their science, and then building our own business off the back of that scientific knowledge. "China will be interested in partnering with us. "We have wonderful medical data, and we have a joined-up healthcare system. "There's huge value in those national data sets we have that no one else has." As the US drives a wedge through a fragmenting global order, Mr Xiao framed China as a like-minded partner for Australia - one that shares Australia's interests in pushing back against unilateralism and protectionism. China is willing to work with Australia to strengthen multilateral organisations like the United Nations and ASEAN, safeguard regional peace and the international rules-based order, and advocate for free trade, the ambassador said. Assistant Trade Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said the government was seeking to strengthen access to China - Australia's largest trading partner - in the best interests of Australians.
Perth Now
07-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
China wants AI in expanded trade deal with Australia
Strengthening ties between Chinese and Australian artificial intelligence researchers could be on the agenda when the prime minister visits China this week, as Beijing seeks to capitalise on trade tensions with the US. With President Donald Trump's tariffs straining relations with Australia's traditionally closest ally, China's top diplomat in Australia Xiao Qian has called for greater collaboration in fields like AI, healthcare and green energy under a revised free-trade deal between the two nations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to China on Saturday comes as the Sino-Australian relationship continues to build following a downturn in relations under former Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison. "China and Australia are natural partners with complementary economic strengths," Mr Xiao wrote in an opinion piece published in the Australian Financial Review on Monday. "Standing at a new historical starting point, now is the time to advance bilateral relations with steady progress." Trade volumes between the two nations have bounced back after China lifted sanctions on Australian exports. The ambassador believes Mr Albanese's visit marks an opportunity to broaden the terms of the 10-year-old free-trade agreement. "We are willing to review the agreement with a more open attitude and higher standard, further consolidate co-operation in traditional areas such as agriculture and mining, and actively explore new growth areas in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, healthcare, green energy, and the digital economy, elevating practical co-operation to new heights," Mr Xiao wrote. The promotion of AI ties, amid the Albanese government's agenda to boost productivity, follows similar provisions in recently signed trade deals between Australia and partners such as Singapore, the UK and the UAE. These clauses encourage sharing AI research and commercialisation opportunities between the countries, as well as promoting its responsible use. There are attractive opportunities to deepen research collaboration in the fundamental science of AI, even though there are challenges to expanding the use of Chinese AI programs in Australia, said UNSW Professor Toby Walsh. "It's going to be very hard for us to have too deep relationships within terms of AI, because you can touch upon things like data sovereignty and various other things that we value," the AI expert told AAP. "It's not like just sending them gold and they take it, and that's the end of the partnership. "Sharing technologies like AI could pose significant national security and other risks." Allowing Chinese tech companies access to the Australian market has been a sore spot in the bilateral relationship. In 2018, then-Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull banned the Chinese tech giant Huawei from developing 5G infrastructure in Australia over concerns the Chinese government could force the company to hand over Australians' data or interfere with the network. The decision prompted strenuous protests from Beijing and was a factor behind a subsequent diplomatic fallout. Prof Walsh said there were still areas where collaboration could be beneficial without forfeiting Australian security. "It's about exchanging people, it's training, it's us going to work with them and them coming to work with us," he said. "So it's things that we've always done in terms of scientific exchange, supercharging our science, supercharging their science, and then building our own business off the back of that scientific knowledge. "China will be interested in partnering with us. "We have wonderful medical data, and we have a joined-up healthcare system. "There's huge value in those national data sets we have that no one else has." As the US drives a wedge through a fragmenting global order, Mr Xiao framed China as a like-minded partner for Australia - one that shares Australia's interests in pushing back against unilateralism and protectionism. China is willing to work with Australia to strengthen multilateral organisations like the United Nations and ASEAN, safeguard regional peace and the international rules-based order, and advocate for free trade, the ambassador said. Assistant Trade Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said the government was seeking to strengthen access to China - Australia's largest trading partner - in the best interests of Australians.
