Australia: Chinese Premier Li Qiang was welcomed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the Australian Parliament in Canberra for high-level discussions that were honest, according to both parties.
Li’s four-day visit marks the first time a Chinese premier has visited Australia in seven years. Prior to this, Beijing had imposed broad taxes on important Australian exports, such as coal, wine, and barley.
Following the talks, Albanese expressed his concerns about the state of human rights in China, the Pacific region, and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine at a press conference.
“We … have our differences … that’s why candid dialogue is so important. For Australia, we consistently advocate the importance of a region and world that is peaceful, stable and prosperous, where countries respect sovereignty and abide by international laws,” Albanese said.
Li said they had held a “candid, in-depth and fruitful meeting and reached a lot of consensus”. He also announced that Australia would join China’s visa waiver programme.
Human rights advocates waved flags and held placards outside the parliament building, chanting slogans in favour of Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong. from a group that supports China and is waving its flag. There were a few skirmishes and a tense atmosphere, according to reporters on the scene.
While inspecting a military guard of honour in front of Parliament House, Li was greeted by a brass band, and the cacophonous throng of people was momentarily silenced by a 19-gun artillery salute.
Li, who landed on Sunday, has emphasized friendship, trade, and China’s adoration of Australian goods during his visit.
However, prior to their private encounter, Albanese had pledged to discuss more delicate subjects, such as the situation of imprisoned dissident writer Yang Hengjun.
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