The BGA Australia Team, led by Managing Director Michael “Mick” McNeill, wrote an update to clients on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to China.

Context

  • Albanese’s November 4-7 visit to China was lauded by business as an important step to repair relations between Australia and its largest business partner. It was the first prime ministerial visit to China since 2016 and follows increased ministerial engagement over the last 12 months.
  • The Albanese government has been working to remove sanctions imposed by China — attempts by Beijing to weaken Australia’s strategic resolve to challenge some Chinese actions. Prior to the visit, China agreed to review duties on Australian wine, which led Australia to suspend its action against China in the World Trade Organization.

Significance

  • Xi “asserted China’s wish to join the CPTPP [Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership] just as part of a general issue about global trade and global economic engagement,” Albanese said. He is under pressure from Beijing not to back Taiwan’s bid to join the CPTPP.
  • Trade Minister Don Farrell attended the sixth China International Import Expo at the invitation of Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao. Around 250 Australian businesses participated. In Shanghai, Farrell delivered a keynote speech highlighting Australia’s support for an open, rules-based trading system.

Implications

  • David Olsson, president of the Australia China Business Council, said the Albanese-Xi meeting “represents an important first step in establishing leader-level personal relations, which can then flow into a regular program of formal and informal dialogues, cascading down all levels of government and involving business, industry and civil society.”
  • Businesses should look for chances to diversify their markets despite the new opportunities this visit presents. While a diplomatic triumph for the government, the visit should also be seen as a pragmatic invitation from Beijing in the context of China’s economic problems.

We will continue to keep you updated on developments in Australia as they occur. If you have any questions or comments, please contact BGA Australia Managing Director Michael “Mick” McNeill at mmcneill@bowergroupasia.com.

Best regards,

BGA Australia Team

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Managing Director

Mick is a highly-experienced government relations expert and trusted advisor on consensus building, conflict resolution and legislative developments. He has played an integral role in helping parties achieve desired outcomes in areas of national security, health policy, foreign policy and reputational crisis management, as well as media relations, communications campaigns, immigration and human rights. Mick has two decades’ experience working with government as a media analyst, political adviser and NGO advocacy manager. After a stint serving as an adviser to an Australian senator, Mick took on the role of the locally engaged senior political specialist at the U.S. Embassy in ... Read More