5-11-2023 (SHANGHAI) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged on Sunday, November 5, to engage “constructively” with China as both countries endeavor to improve their strained relations. Albanese made this commitment during the inauguration of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, marking the start of a prominent state visit to Australia’s most significant trading partner.
“Constructive economic engagement between nations contributes to building relationships… That is why my government will continue to collaborate positively with China,” Albanese stated in his speech.
The prime minister is embarking on a four-day visit to China, dividing his time between Shanghai and Beijing. This visit marks the first by an Australian leader in seven years, with both countries working to mend relations following a diplomatic dispute that had a substantial impact on their bilateral trade, worth billions of dollars.
Albanese’s administration has been striving for more amicable relations with China while simultaneously pushing back against Beijing’s expanding influence in the Pacific region.
On Sunday, the prime minister emphasized the significance of the Asia Pacific region’s development, stating that “Australia’s relationship with China is a crucial element of all this.”
He commended the “mature relationship” between Beijing and Canberra, highlighting that it’s “energized by the complementary nature of our economies.”
China’s foreign ministry confirmed that Albanese would hold meetings with Chinese leaders and engage in “in-depth discussions on bilateral matters and common international and regional concerns.”
Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated, “A healthy and stable China-Australia relationship aligns with the fundamental interests of both countries and their people.”
This newfound cooperation marks a significant shift in tone from three years ago when bilateral relations were frosty. In 2020, China imposed punitive tariffs on various Australian commodities in response to the Australian government’s decision to exclude tech giant Huawei from 5G contracts and call for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19.
Under Albanese’s more liberal administration, those tariffs have been lifted, and Beijing has indicated its intention to lift similar penalties on Australian wine.
MAJOR TRADE EVENT Albanese was among the few heads of state present at the CIIE’s opening, an event promoted by Beijing as a platform for international economic cooperation. However, foreign business groups have criticized the deals it generates as lacking substance.
Organizers have reported that over 3,400 exhibitors will participate in the sixth annual CIIE, which will run until Friday. This edition of the fair is the first to take place since China eased strict pandemic travel restrictions.
This event occurs at a time when foreign business confidence is waning in the world’s second-largest economy. Both the US and European chambers of commerce have warned in recent months that companies are increasingly considering moving their investments away from China.
Premier Li Qiang assured expo attendees on Sunday that China remained committed to opening up and increasing market access for international investors.
“China sincerely wishes to work with other countries to meet each other halfway and make mutual achievements on a grand stage of openness,” Li stated during the expo’s opening.
However, Carlo D’Andrea, the Vice President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, stated on Friday in Shanghai that “the CIIE, in its current form, is smoke and mirrors and has become a political show disguised as a trade fair.” He noted that EU Chamber members had complained about logistical challenges and high costs associated with participating in the fair. Additionally, most visitors were government officials rather than potential buyers.
According to survey results published by the group on Friday, the percentage of EU Chamber members participating in the CIIE has dropped from 42 percent to 32 percent since the fair’s inaugural year in 2018.
