China’s relations with Australia have “turned around” after overcoming “setbacks”, President Xi Jinping told visiting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Beijing on Tuesday.
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“The most important thing we can learn from this is a commitment to equal treatment, to seeking common ground while sharing differences, pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation, serving the fundamental interests of our two countries and two peoples,” he told Albanese.
“No matter how the international landscape may evolve, we should uphold this overall direction unswervingly.”
Albanese, who is making his second visit to China as prime minister and meeting Xi for the fourth time, echoed his host’s comments about “seeking common ground while sharing differences” and welcomed the chance to “set out Australia’s views and interests”.
His six-day trip, which includes stops in Shanghai and Chengdu, comes at a time when Australia is working to strengthen economic ties following a thaw that came after years of frosty relations.
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Meanwhile, China is pushing for closer ties with major trading partners, including US regional allies, as it seeks to counter the impact of Donald Trump’s policies, including tariffs.