CANBERRA,18 July 2025 – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent visit to China, his second since 2023, underscores the deepening bilateral relationship amidst a backdrop of heightened global tensions, particularly due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies.
The trip, which included stops in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, aims to bolster ties with China, Australia’s largest trading partner, critical as nearly a third of Australia’s total trade depends on this relationship, supporting one in four Australian jobs.
Despite ongoing criticisms from China regarding Australia’s involvement in the AUKUS submarine deal with the U.S. and UK, observers suggest these disagreements will not significantly hinder bilateral relations, especially as the U.S. reviews the pact under Trump’s administration.
Albanese’s engagement with China occurs against the backdrop of a recent congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping following Albanese’s reelection in May 2025, emphasizing the strategic importance of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.
The visit also follows reports that the trip has reinforced Australia’s standing in China’s “good books,” particularly in the context of regional security and trade, amidst a shifting global landscape influenced by U.S. policies.
This development is significant as it navigates the complex interplay of economic interdependence and geopolitical strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.