March 21, 2024 (EIRNS)—Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has concluded his visit to Australia, helping to restore the strained relations between the two countries. Among other things, China is lifting the tariffs on the import of Australian wine. They had been imposed as a result of the former government’s demand that investigations be conducted regarding China’s role in the spread of Covid. The lifting of other trade restrictions will no doubt follow. There are also indications that there will be a visit later in the year by Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Wang Yi met with a number of officials, including Prime Minister Albanese. On the last day, he also held a meeting with former PM Paul Keating, who has been a sharp critic of Australia’s participation in the AUKUS military coalition, aligned against China. He also met with leaders in the strategic and business community.
While there is a clear realization that Australia has in many respects aligned with the U.S. in the region, there is also an understanding on both sides that the questions that remain a bone of contention cannot overshadow the need for two such important countries in the region to get along. The Australians are also looking forward to the Chinese market opening up more widely to Australian beef and lobster.
