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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to the People’s Republic of China this weekend for the annual leaders’ meeting, at the invitation of PRC Premier Li Qiang.
The Prime Minister will hold the Australia–China Annual Leaders’ Meeting with Premier Li in Beijing, visiting the PRC from 12 to 18 July.
The Prime Minister will also meet President Xi Jinping and Chairman Zhao Leji of the National People’s Congress.
Leaders will exchange views on global and regional issues as well as bilateral cooperation in areas including trade and tourism.
Direct engagement between Australia and China at the highest levels enables difference to be addressed and is central to a constructive relationship, according to Albanese.
“China remains Australia’s largest trading partner, accounting for almost one third of our total trade, and will remain so for the foreseeable future,” he said.
“Trade is now flowing freely, to the benefit of both countries and to people and businesses on both sides.
“We will continue to patiently and deliberately work towards a stable relationship with China, with dialogue at its core.
“I will raise issues that are important to Australians and the region including my government’s enduring commitment to pursuing Australia’s national interest.
“My government will continue to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest.”
During the Prime Minister’s visit, leaders will attend the Australia–China CEO Roundtable, a platform for Australian and Chinese business leaders to strengthen trade and investment between the two countries.
The Prime Minister will also visit Shanghai and Chengdu, where he will meet business, tourism and sport representatives and build on Australia’s strong economic and trade links with China.
This will be Prime Minister Albanese’s second visit to China as Prime Minister, following his visit in November 2023.
