PM of China says China ready to enhance relations with Australia
(MENAFN) Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed readiness to work with Australia to establish a “more mature and stable China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership” during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Malaysia. Li emphasized the importance of maintaining strategic communication and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in areas such as green economy, high-tech industries, and the digital sector. He also urged Australia to provide “an open, transparent and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese enterprises.”
Albanese highlighted the significance of the bilateral relationship, stating, “Australia’s relationship with China matters. For our economy, our security and the stability of our region.”
He underscored that China remains Australia’s largest trading partner, and described the meeting as an opportunity to “continue stabilizing” the relationship. During discussions, Albanese raised the recent incident in the South China Sea, where the Chinese military expelled an Australian warplane, adding, “We have disagreements, and friends are able to discuss issues. That's what we're able to do. … Li has heard the message very directly.”
In parallel diplomatic efforts, Li met with European Council President Antonio Costa to discuss China-EU relations. He acknowledged that ties are facing both opportunities and challenges, and highlighted China’s willingness to advance economic and trade cooperation, resolve differences through dialogue, and support free trade while opposing protectionism. Costa noted the EU’s emphasis on constructive and stable relations with China, stressing the need for “concrete progress” in trade and economic ties. He also raised concerns about China’s expanding export controls on critical raw materials, urging Beijing to restore reliable and predictable supply chains, and expressed the EU’s expectation that China contributes to ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Separately, at the ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum 2025, Albanese announced that Australia has identified a A$20 billion ($13 billion) investment pipeline across Southeast Asia, with projects including farming in Laos, energy in Thailand, infrastructure in Vietnam, and transport and logistics through Toll Group.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the importance of regional integration and called for intensified efforts to leverage the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) as a platform for resilient, rules-based trade, emphasizing that the partnership should remain open for other countries to join.
The meetings and announcements signal both China’s and Australia’s intent to strengthen economic and strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific region, while simultaneously addressing global trade and security concerns.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
