Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bali
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has met with his Chinese counterpart in what is being described as a “positive” encounter.
Albanese told Xi Australia wants to work with China, in the interests of both countries and regional peace.
“Very constructive … a warm discussion”.
anthony albanese speaking after the meet
It was good to discuss our relationship with China’s President Xi Jinping today. It was a positive and constructive discussion. We will cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest. pic.twitter.com/WBVAzW7KLR
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 15, 2022
It follows a tumultuous time between the two nations regarding a number of issues, including trade agreements, the origins of Covid-19 and reports of Beijing’s human rights violations.
The Australian PM refused to ignore his countries previous complaints with Beijing on these fronts.
On China’s trade embargo on Australia, Albanese explained this meeting was never meant for finding a resolution.
“If people thought that would happen (today) then that’s not realistic…
We put forward our position and he said that we have highly complimentary economies, so we used similar language.”
anthony albanese speaking after the meet
The meeting spanned 32 minutes as the G20 summit continues in Indonesia.
China’s president has refused to have a formal meeting with an Australian leader since Malcolm Turnbull in 2016.
The Australia-China relationship may be putting their differences aside, as they look to a more prosperous future, in the best interest of both nations.
During the previous Morrison government in Australia, relations had soured. However, Xi is now sounding much more optimistic about the country down under.
“In the past few years, China-Australia relations have encountered some difficulties, which we didn’t want to see, because both China and Australia are important countries in the Asia-Pacific region…
We should improve, maintain and develop the relations between the two countries, which is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples and conducive to promoting the development of peace in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.”
xi jinping before the meet
Ukraine war
When it came to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Albanese encouraged Xi use his relationship to influence Russia when it comes to nuclear weapons.
“Specifically about Russia’s threat to use tactical nuclear weapons…
I noted that China had called that out and that is a good thing.”
anthony albanese speaking after the meet
Human rights violations
Australia has long condemned China when it comes to allegations of human rights abuses within the country, particularly against the Uyghur population.
The Australian leader “put forward the differences we have on human rights issues” specifically regarding detained Australian journalist Cheng Lei.
Albanese also reaffirmed Australia’s stance on Taiwan and worsening climate change too.
