China's Premier Urges Australia Against Protectionism Amid Economic Talks

In a significant dialogue held in Beijing, Premier Li Qiang of China called on Australia to combat protectionism while communicating with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and a select group of business leaders. The two leaders convened for their annual meeting, which was complemented by a roundtable discussion that brought together influential members from both Chinese and Australian business communities.

With a clear reference to the disruptive trade policies enacted during the Trump administration, Mr. Li articulated the importance of upholding open markets and ensuring predictability in international trade. He emphasized that both Australia and China should collectively address the rising instability in the global economy, noting that the need for collaboration is becoming increasingly critical.

After their discussions, both nations released a joint statement highlighting their commitment to deepen the bilateral relationship and foster cooperation in areas of mutual interest while wisely handling their differences. This meeting followed Prime Minister Albanese’s earlier encounter with President Xi Jinping, who also touched on the need for equality and collaboration amid evolving international dynamics.

During the meetings, six agreements were signed to bolster economic collaboration across diverse sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. Mr. Li’s comments indicated China's awareness of Australia's concerns regarding the prior U.S. administration's impact on global trade norms. He extended an invitation for Australia to embrace openness and cooperation regardless of global changes.

Although the Port of Darwin issue, linked to a commitment made by Mr. Albanese's government, remained unaddressed in the public remarks, Mr. Li expressed confidence that Australia would treat Chinese businesses fairly and address market access challenges appropriately. After concluding the high-stakes discussions, Prime Minister Albanese is scheduled to visit the Great Wall of China, drawing parallels with historical visits by Australian leaders in the 1970s, before proceeding to the city of Chengdu to wrap up his official trip to China.