China’s Foreign Minister will visit Australia for the first time since 2017, according to reports.
Bloomberg reported Foreign Minister Penny Wong had confirmed that she would meet with Wang Yi next week.
It comes after China’s commerce ministry recommended the government lift its tariff on Australian wines, which have been in place for close to four years.
Amid thawing relations with the Albanese government, Beijing has already removed tariffs on beef, barley, coal, and cotton.
Detained Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who had been accused of spying by China, was also released and returned home last year.
However, Wang’s visit is unlikely to be entirely without friction, as Australia and China remain at odds on several major issues.
The federal government’s ongoing commitment to the AUKUS alliance and involvement in the Quad sees Australia arrayed against China in the latter’s attempt to dominate traffic through the South China Sea.
Australian ally steps up presence in disputed waters
The suspended death sentence Chinese courts imposed on imprisoned Australian writer Yang Hengjun also sparked Australian outcry, with Wong saying the government was “appalled” at the outcome.
“Australia will not relent in our advocacy for justice for Dr Yang’s interests and well-being, including appropriate medical treatment,” she said after the sentence was handed down last month.
Wang and Wong last met in an official capacity in Beijing in 2022.
