has declared Australia will “cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must, but ... also engage in our national interest” as the prime minister arrived in the People’s Republic for a landmark three day official visit.
When he returned from the banquet, the prime minister told travelling journalists Australia’s national interest was served by having a positive, constructive, respectful and open dialogue with China, our biggest trading partner. Albanese’s visit to China is the first by an Australian prime minister since 2016. He will meet the Chinese president, Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday, and the premier on Tuesday.The visit is intended to reboot the diplomatic relationship after a period of significant turbulence that began with Australia’s decision to exclude Chinese company Huawei from the rollout of the 5G network in 2018.