At G20, Xi Jinping and Anthony Albanese discuss improved China-Australia trade relations

Both leaders note progress, with the Australian prime minister saying: ‘Trade is flowing more freely to the benefit of both countries.’

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Chinese leader Xi Jinping speaks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as they prepare for a group photo during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Igor Patrickin Rio de JaneiroandMark Magnierin Rio de Janeiro

Published: 4:50am, 19 Nov 2024

Several world leaders at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro seized the opportunity to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who returned to the global stage after skipping last year’s gathering in India.

Before attending the group’s scheduled meetings at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, Xi held bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Xi met Albanese months after the Australian leader visited Beijing in an attempt to resolve a prolonged dispute that saw billions of dollars worth of Australian exports blocked by China, its largest trading partner.

Albanese noted progress in repairing ties. “Trade is flowing more freely to the benefit of both countries and to people and businesses on both sides,” he said, according to a transcript of his remarks.

He added that the two nations would explore opportunities for cooperation on energy transition and climate change.

With Rio’s Sugar Loaf mountain in the background, China’s Xi Jinping (centre) mingles with other leaders and diplomats at the G20 summit on Monday. Photo: AP

Xi echoed the sentiment, telling Albanese that the relationship had turned a corner. According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, he also urged Australia to maintain a non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.