In a statement for Australia Day, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a new indication that ties between his country and Australia are moving in the “correct way.”
The Governor-General David Hurley’s diplomatic courtesy note from Mr Xi was not addressed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
However, it comes after it was made public that Trade Minister Don Farrell would videoconference with his Chinese colleague in the coming weeks to discuss Beijing’s trade penalties, which have slowed down $20 billion in shipments to China.
It is customary for heads of state to exchange notes on national holidays, but Mr Xi’s letter is important because it reflects the improvement in ties between Canberra and Beijing since Labor won the May election.
After Scott Morrison called for an international investigation into the origins of COVID-19, Beijing placed trade sanctions on Australian products, including coal, barley, and seafood.
High-level ministerial communication was put on hold, although Mr Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Defence Minister Richard Marles met in person with their Chinese counterparts.
There have been indications of a thawing of their ties in recent months after almost three years of difficult relations over a variety of topics, including trade.
After Australia demanded an investigation into the origins of COVID-19 and placed a 5G network embargo on China’s telecoms giant Huawei, China implemented unofficial prohibitions on Australian imports from coal to wine in 2020.
Since then, their trade ministers have not spoken, but Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong this month spoke with her Chinese colleague, Wang Yi, on the country’s first official visit to Beijing since 2019.
At the G20 summit in Indonesia in November, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met, heralding the start of a thaw.
Australian and Chinese officials have spoken about defence and foreign policy since Albanese’s victory, and there are expectations that the trade relationship will soon thaw.
In the first half of 2023, negotiations between Trade Minister Don Farrell and his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao are anticipated.
Albanese responded “wait and see” when asked by Sky News on Wednesday whether he anticipated making a state visit to Beijing in 2023. “The greater engagement between our separate agencies at various levels is a good thing”, he said.
Experts say there is no doubt that Australia is affected by China’s economic recession, but if relations improve, it might be advantageous for both countries.
As the world is looking for alternatives to China and India gaining ground in Asia and the Middle East. Looking at the moment, it seems that China is being cautious and playing safe.
Originally Posted at – https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-27/xi-jinping-says-ties-with-australia-moving-in-right-direction/101900412