In March 2017, PM&C coordinated the whole-of-government support to the Prime Minister in the lead up to, and during, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Australia. The Department worked with 16 agencies across 14 national, state and territory governments and industry organisations. The visit was important to identify opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment with Australia's largest, two-way trading partner. A significant outcome was the improved engagement with China in areas of interest to Australia.

PM&C leveraged the expertise and resources of other agencies to negotiate outcomes, deliver products and organise events that supported the Prime Minister to advance Australia's economic and security interests. Premier Li's visit was endorsed as a success by China and Australia and a significant rapport between the two leaders has resulted.

PM&C advice to the Prime Minister facilitated:

• a Declaration of Intent to review services and investments in the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement
• a Joint Statement on Inspection and Quarantine Cooperation to boost exports to China of Australian meat products
• an agreement to establish a High-Level Security Dialogue for regular discussions about security issues (the inaugural Dialogue was held in April 2017 and secured an agreement from China not to conduct or support cyber-enabled theft).