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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit China this weekend, signaling efforts to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), green energy, and the digital economy. Speaking in Hobart on Tuesday, Albanese confirmed his itinerary includes Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu starting Saturday, though he did not share further trip details.
This marks Albanese’s second visit to China since his re-election in May, following his historic 2023 trip that ended a seven-year diplomatic freeze. During that visit, Albanese emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between the two major trading partners, despite their differences.
The timing of the trip is notable, as China recently proposed a review of the decade-old China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). Beijing is seeking to strengthen cooperation in traditional sectors like agriculture and mining while exploring emerging areas such as AI, clean tech, and digital infrastructure. Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, expressed readiness for a “more open and higher-standard” trade relationship in a Monday op-ed in The Australian Financial Review.
When asked if AI and advanced technologies would be included in future trade discussions, Albanese remained non-committal, stating, “We will determine our policy.”
China remains Australia’s largest trading partner, and Albanese’s visit may pave the way for enhanced collaboration in strategic industries. With growing global interest in AI and sustainable innovation, both countries are under pressure to align economic interests with geopolitical realities.
Albanese’s renewed diplomatic engagement reflects a broader shift toward balancing strategic interests with economic opportunity, especially in areas reshaping the global economy. His visit is expected to highlight Australia's willingness to engage in future-focused trade negotiations while maintaining national policy autonomy.
