According to the South China Morning Post on Thursday, China’s Premier Li Qiang is set to visit Australia in June. This visit marks a recent development in the improving relationship between the two countries.
Australia and China, who trade with each other the most, are fixing their relationship after a tough time. Things got really bad in 2020 when Australia wanted an independent study to find out where COVID-19 came from.
The visit, planned for the third week of June, will happen at the same time as the end of an informal three-year block on the export of Australian live lobsters to China. This information comes from the paper, which spoke to two people in the know.
A spokesperson for Australia’s department of the prime minister and cabinet declined to comment.
A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said she had no specific information on the visit when queried at a regular press briefing.
“We are ready to stand with Australia … to strengthen high level exchanges, deepen cooperation, increase mutual understanding, and bring China-Australia relations onto a more mature, stable and fruitful track,” said the official, Mao Ning.
Following a government shift in Canberra two years ago, Beijing has decided to remove most tariffs on Australian products such as barley and wine. Lobsters are among the few items that still have restrictions.
“We welcome the efforts … to improve diplomatic relations,” said a spokesperson for Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-Operative, Australia’s largest rock lobster exporter.
“Restoring market access is a win-win and will contribute to Australia’s economy through export earnings, jobs and regional development.”
After Chinese counterpart Wang Yi’s visit, Foreign Minister Penny Wong mentioned last month that she anticipates a visit from Li this year, though she didn’t specify the date.
With Inputs from Reuters
