Anthony Albanese says Australia’s relationship with China has been “renewed and revitalised” following a meeting with Premier Li Qiang.
China’s second-highest-ranking politician met with Albanese for the annual leaders’ meeting in Canberra today, with five memorandums of understanding signed between the two nations covering trade, education, the economy, climate change and cultural exchanges.
Speaking following the meeting, the prime minister said dialogue was crucial for Australia’s relationship with China.
“It is always most effective when we deal directly with each other,” Albanese said.
“That’s how we make progress on our shared interests and protect regional stability.
“Without dialogue, we can’t address any of the differences that arise between us.
“Australia and China have renewed and revitalised our engagement… (including) a framework for us to work together to tackle climate change.”
Li said his meeting with Albanese was ”candid, in-depth and fruitful”.
“In less than one year, Prime Minister Albanese and I have met multiple times and exchanged visits to each other’s country,” he said.
“This shows that our countries attach great importance to our relationship, and that this relationship is on the right track of steady improvement and development.”
Outside parliament house, pro-China supporters had clashed with protesters demonstrating against the Asian superpower’s human rights record ahead of the meeting, with police separating the groups and putting up barricades to keep them apart.
While neither leader mentioned Yang in their remarks, the Chinese premier said they “had a candid exchange of views on some differences and disagreements, and agreed to properly manage them in a manner befitting our comprehensive strategic partnership”.
