Australia PM Albanese Discusses Trade & Security with China's Xi

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sat down with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Tuesday to tackle big issues like trade, clean energy, and regional tensions. The six-day trip, which includes stops in Shanghai and Chengdu, shows the tricky balance Australia is trying to strike with China, its biggest trading partner and a key player in global politics.

Albanese brought along top execs from Aussie mining giants like Rio Tinto, BHP, and Fortescue, highlighting how much Australia’s economy relies on exports like iron ore to China. These exports are a lifeline for Aussie jobs.

A business meeting at the Great Hall of the People included folks from Australia’s Bluescope Steel and China’s electric car giant BYD, spotlighting potential teamwork on green energy and steel. Bran Black, head of the Business Council of Australia, said these talks show that businesses on both sides are eager to keep working together.

• Albanese Meets Xi Jinping in Beijing to Boost Australia-China Trade and Green Energy Ties
• Australia Balances Trade and Security in High-Stakes Talks with China’s Leadership
• Albanese’s China Visit: Iron Ore, Clean Energy, and Rising Regional Tensions on the Agenda

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Security issues are a sore spot. Australia is worried about China’s growing military presence and the detention of Australian writer Yang Hengjun. On the flip side, China’s not happy about Australia’s tougher rules on Chinese investments in things like critical minerals or Albanese’s push to take back control of a port leased to a Chinese company. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong recently called China’s military moves in the South China Sea and its naval activity around Australia “concerning.”

Albanese summed up Australia’s approach as “work together where we can, speak up where we don’t agree.” The visit comes at a tense time, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff plans shaking up global trade and Australia reviewing its AUKUS submarine deal, which it sees as key to keeping the region safe. Meanwhile, China wants to grow its trade deal with Australia, eyeing areas like AI and green tech.

Also Read: South African Minister Senzo Mchunu Suspended Over Corruption Claims

Albanese’s trip is about keeping the economic relationship strong while carefully navigating the tougher issues, a balancing act in today’s unpredictable world.