Chinese authorities have lauded Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews for his “determination” in forging ties with Beijing.
He is halfway through his trade visit to the Asian powerhouse and was praised for “the clear determination of the premier himself and Victoria to persist in building relations with China,” according to The Age, after meeting with officials in Beijing.
Since the outbreak of the epidemic, the Victorian Premier is the first state or federal leader from Australia to travel to China.
His visit comes only a few weeks after Australia signed the AUKUS defense accord, which Beijing has denounced as a danger to regional stability.
Li Xukui, the vice president of the Chinese People’s Organization for Friendship with Foreign Countries, praised Andrews. As tensions between Canberra and Beijing rapidly increased in 2020 as a result of disagreements over trade, human rights, and national security, they were warmer than any presented to an Australian federal delegate.
Prior to leaving Australia, Andrews stated that the purpose of his visit would be to promote Victorian employment opportunities and exports to China. It is unknown if Andrews will bring up the issue of official and covert trade sanctions on Australian goods.
Also, he is not bringing a media entourage, but rather, he is providing regular updates on his negotiations.
The visit of Andrews was in the mutual interest of Beijing and Canberra, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
According to spokeswoman Mao Ning, “China is willing to make joint efforts with Australia to start and resume dialogue and communication in various fields, expand cooperation, and push bilateral relations back on the right track based on the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit, and seeking common ground while reserving differences.”
Tim Ayres, the federal trade minister, stated that although trade ties have improved, it will take time for the $20 billion in sanctions against Australian exports to China to be lifted while he is in China for a significant business conference.
He stated, “The obstacles to some Australian exports to China didn’t happen overnight, and they won’t be overcome overnight, either.
