Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has thrown his weight behind his state counterparts visiting China, declaring he’d additionally jet off to Beijing ought to he be invited.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed she could be following within the footsteps of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and can make a visit to China later this yr.
Their West Australian counterpart can also be slated to depart for a five-day journey to China on April 17.
Asked concerning the abroad journey whereas touring a South Australian shipyard that may sooner or later be residence to the AUKUS submarine construct, Mr Albanese mentioned it was “good” to maintain dialogue open.
“China is our major trading partner. I say that we will co-operate with China where we can, we will disagree where we must, and engage in our national interests,” the Prime Minister advised reporters.
“I have said I would accept an invitation were it to be given by President Xi Jinping.”
Mr Albanese met with President Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit final yr.
Since then, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Assistant Trade Minister Tim Ayres have met with leaders in China as tensions proceed to thaw.
Relations between Canberra and Beijing have been in a diplomatic deep freeze because the then-Turnbull authorities blocked Huawei from its 5G rollout.
The federal authorities is hopeful an enchancment in relations might result in the unwinding of China’s sanctions on beef, wine, lobster and barley.
The Victorian Premier’s most up-to-date journey attracted criticism and questions on transparency after particulars of his plans weren’t made public till simply days earlier than.
No members of the media or business delegates had been invited to journey with Mr Andrews.
NSW Premier Chris Minns mentioned on Monday he had no plans to go to China, saying his authorities was squarely centered on home points.
“We‘ve got a lot of issues in NSW at the moment. And obviously with the new government in place, we want to hit the ground running,” Mr Minns said.
“But it‘s mainly domestically focused at the moment. When you look at the rising cost of living, whether it’s tolls, whether or not it’s the consequences of privatisation, I’ve bought my arms full proper right here in NSW.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
