Australia’s Albanese confirms China visit as Beijing eyes trade deal review

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is to visit China from the weekend to strengthen ties with his countrys biggest trading partner.

PHOTO: REUTERS

SYDNEY – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on July 8 that he would visit China from this weekend as Beijing looks to build on partnerships on AI, green energy and the digital economy.

“I look forward to going to Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu, which I will visit from Saturday,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Hobart.

He did not give more details about his trip.

The Chinese foreign ministry confirmed that Mr Albanese will be visiting the country from July 12 to July 18.

“China is willing to work with Australia to take this visit as an opportunity to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust and expand practical cooperation,” ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press conference.

This would be Mr Albanese’s second visit to China as prime minister, after his re-election in May.

The Australian leader’s first visit to Beijing as prime minister was in 2023, which broke a seven-year freeze in diplomatic ties, and he emphasised the need for communication with China, despite differences between the two trading partners.

Mr Albanese’s trip comes as Beijing suggested a review of the 10-year-old free trade agreement between the two countries to boost ties in agriculture and mining, and explore growth areas in new technologies.

“We are willing to review the agreement with a more open