Efforts under way to improve Australia-China relations

Significance

This was the first formal ministerial meeting between the two countries since bilateral relations began to deteriorate in 2020. It followed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s brief meeting with President Xi Jinping during the G20 summit in November and marked the 50th anniversary of Australia establishing diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

Impacts

• Australia’s offer to withdraw legal challenges at the World Trade Organisation could open an avenue to resolve trade issues.
• A possible increase in security screening of investments could affect more sectors vital to Beijing.
• Prospects for a formal summit between Albanese and Xi have markedly increased.