An Australian industry, government, academia, and media delegation is scheduled to visit China for a high-level dialogue with Chinese counterparts on Thursday. This is the first time for the dialogue to be held since early 2020.
Former Trade Minister Craig Emerson will co-chair the dialogue as the head of the Australian delegation, with former Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop attending as a delegate and session leader, according to media reports.
After the current Australian government came to power, it signaled its intention to ease the relationship with China. While this delegation could help improve ties, Australia has proceeded with the anti-China AUKUS military pact with the U.S. and the UK, and participated in anti-China joint exercises in the South China Sea with the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines.
