On 4-7 November 2023, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the People’s Republic of China, marking 50 years since Gough Whitlam became the first Australian Prime Minister to visit China, in 1973. The visit built on recent efforts to stabilise relations with China.
At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang, Prime Minister Albanese spoke at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai and heard from Australian business representatives participating in the event. Australia and China have benefitted enormously from trade – it has helped our businesses grow and generated well-paid jobs for Australian workers.
In Beijing, the Prime Minister held productive meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and National People’s Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji, advocating for Australia’s interests – including on trade, consular matters, human rights, and regional and multilateral issues.
During the visit, leaders underlined the importance of dialogue and agreed Australia and China could do more together in a range of areas, including on climate change, trade and strengthening ties between our people.
Read the Statement on Joint Outcomes of the China-Australia Annual Leaders' Meeting.