HereS a breakdown of the key points from the provided text:
Meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese President Xi Jinping:
Focus on “Constructive Meeting“: Mr. Albanese described the meeting as “vrey constructive” and highlighted that both leaders sought common ground while setting aside differences.
Chinese Military Exercises:
China conducted military exercises near New Zealand.
Mr. Xi stated that China engages in exercises, just as Australia does (referring to freedom of navigation missions in the South China Sea). Mr.Albanese reiterated Australia’s position that China’s actions did not breach international law but expressed concern about the “notice and the way that it happened, including the live-fire exercises.”
Taiwan:
Mr. Xi did not mention U.S. pressure on allies regarding Taiwan.
Mr. Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s support for the “status quo” on Taiwan.
Australia maintains a one-China policy, recognizing the People’s Republic of China and considering Taiwan part of China.
Trade Deal: both governments agreed to review Australia’s free trade deal with China, aiming to improve economic relations, as the 10th anniversary of the deal approaches. Port of Darwin Lease:
There was speculation that Mr. Xi would raise Mr. Albanese’s plan to end a Chinese company’s 99-year lease on the Port of Darwin.
The U.S. has concerns about the lease, fearing it could be used for spying.
Mr. Albanese stated that Mr. Xi did not mention the lease or Australia’s foreign investment rules regarding critical infrastructure.
Treatment of Australian Journalists:
Australian journalists traveling with Mr. Albanese reported being interrupted and told to delete footage by Chinese security officials.
Australian diplomats intervened, and the journalists were eventually allowed to leave.
Mr.Albanese acknowledged that “China has a different system, obviously, with the media.”
Broader context:
Australia’s Position: Australia is navigating a complex relationship between China and the United States. Its economy relies heavily on exports to China, but it shares U.S.concerns about China’s human rights record and military activity in the Pacific.
Albanese’s Visit: This was Mr. Albanese’s second visit to China as becoming Prime Minister in 2022. The trip began in Shanghai, focusing on deepening cooperation between the two countries.