Media: Australian PM plans pivotal visit to China as global trade winds shift

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is preparing for a high-stakes visit to Beijing in July or August, becoming the latest world leader to engage directly with China amid ongoing global economic uncertainty triggered by US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.

Albanese is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during the trip. The EU is also scheduled to hold a crucial summit with China around the same time, Caliber.Az reports per South China Morning Post.

“Albanese is expecting to meet with [President] Xi Jinping during his visit,” the source confirmed. Since taking office in 2022, Albanese has worked to ease the strained trade relationship with China, which had been marred by restrictions on Australian exports such as coal, wine, and lobster under previous governments.

The thawing of tensions has allowed Beijing to relax some of those curbs. Following Labour’s decisive win in last month’s federal election, engagement with China remains a priority for Albanese in his second term. “It’s a trip to engage with Australia’s largest trading partner,” said the source. “Australian people voted for Albanese again because he can stabilise the Australia-China relationship.” While China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to comment on the visit, Australia’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet declined to comment pending a formal announcement.

Trade Minister Don Farrell emphasised Australia’s commitment to growing business with China, stating, “We don’t want to do less business with China; we want to do more business with China.”

The timing of the talks is significant as Australia balances its economic ties with China and security alliance with the United States. Australia has been affected by the US 10 per cent baseline tariffs imposed earlier this year but has so far avoided the steeper “reciprocal” tariffs expected to return in July. 

The precise dates of Albanese’s visit remain unconfirmed and may change, the source added. In parallel, the EU and China will hold a summit in Beijing in late July to ease tensions and coordinate responses to US protectionist measures. China remains Australia’s largest export market, despite a 10.2 per cent decline to A$196 billion ($127 billion) last year. The US ranks fourth, with exports rising to A$40.1 billion. 

By Naila Huseynova