UPDATE: Following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese‘s six-day trip to China, the opposition is demanding more tangible results from the visit. Albanese returned to Australia on Friday, after meetings in Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu, including a significant one-on-one discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The opposition, led by Deputy Leader Ted O’Brien, argues that voters expected greater outcomes from this pivotal diplomatic mission. “When you have six days in a country, I think it is fair for the Australian people to expect more from it,” O’Brien stated during an interview with Sky News on Sunday. He criticized the absence of visits to nearby Asian allies such as Japan and South Korea, suggesting it highlights an imbalance in Australia’s foreign policy.
In response, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland defended the Prime Minister’s visit, calling the criticism “extraordinary.” She emphasized the importance of stabilizing Australia’s relationship with China, which is vital for the country’s economy. “China is our single biggest trading partner. Our resources sector relies on that relationship,” Rowland stressed. The visit comes at a crucial time, as trade sanctions that previously cost Australia an estimated $20 billion in export losses on products like wine, lobster, and beef have recently been lifted.
The government asserts that the visit was essential to mend ties that had soured during the early days of the COVID pandemic. “This is about creating jobs and extra trade opportunities for Australia,” Rowland added, highlighting the visit’s significance in fostering economic recovery.
While O’Brien acknowledged the importance of economic diplomacy, he insisted that the outcomes of Albanese’s trip fell short of expectations. “We are supportive of economic diplomacy. It’s absolutely key, but Australia deserves nothing less than tangible outcomes, especially when you spend a week in-country,” he stated.
As the debate unfolds, the focus remains on how effectively the Albanese administration can leverage this visit to enhance Australia’s economic prospects. With the stakes high, all eyes are on potential developments in trade relations that could impact millions of Australians in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
