Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Australia, marking the first visit by a high-ranking Chinese official in seven years, aimed to mend strained relations following trade disputes and geopolitical tensions. Associated Press reports.
Li aims to mend diplomatic relations and promised to loan a new pair of giant pandas to Adelaide Zoo, which was well-received as a symbol of goodwill. However, his visit also sparked protests from human rights activists, who criticized the panda diplomacy as a distraction from China’s human rights issues.
The visit also focused on reviving trade, particularly in Australian wine, following the lifting of most Chinese trade bans on Australian goods, except for live lobsters. Li plans to visit a Chinese-controlled lithium processing plant in Western Australia, underscoring China’s interest in critical minerals.
Li will also meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials to discuss contentious issues like recent military clashes and the fate of Australian detainees in China and Hong Kong.
