Albanese to Meet Xi Jinping as Australia-China Relations Take Center Stage
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to China this weekend for high-level talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, marking his second visit as Australia's leader as the two nations work to stabilize their relationship following years of trade tensions.
Albanese announced Tuesday he will visit Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu from July 12-18 for the Annual Leaders' Meeting, where he will discuss trade, tourism and regional security issues with China's top leadership.
"China remains Australia's largest trading partner, accounting for almost one third of our total trade, and will remain so for the foreseeable future," Albanese said in a media release. "Trade is now flowing freely, to the benefit of both countries and to people and businesses on both sides."
The visit comes as Australia has successfully removed more than $20 billion in Chinese trade impediments that were imposed during previous diplomatic tensions. Australian exports of wine and barley to China have not only recovered but exceeded pre-restriction levels, according to the Prime Minister.
During a doorstop interview in Hobart Tuesday, Albanese confirmed he would prioritize jobs and economic interests during the China talks. When asked about potential artificial intelligence provisions in trade agreements, he deflected, saying "My priority is jobs. We have a Free Trade Agreement with China."
The Prime Minister emphasized Australia's approach of "cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest."
Healthcare Policy Takes Focus in Tasmania
Earlier Tuesday, Albanese used his Hobart visit to promote federal healthcare initiatives alongside Tasmanian Labor Leader Dean Winter, who outlined plans for a new "TassieDoc" program designed to provide free GP visits across the state.
Speaking at an Ochre Health Urgent Care Clinic on Liverpool Street, Albanese highlighted the success of the government's Urgent Care Clinic network, which has treated 1.5 million Australians since launching.
"We promised 50 before I was elected in 2022, because what we understood was that we needed to take pressure off emergency departments and provide access to healthcare for people when they needed it, where they needed it," Albanese said.
Tasmania's five Urgent Care Clinics have treated almost 100,000 patients, with one-third under age 16, according to the Prime Minister. The clinics require only a Medicare card for treatment.
Dr. Jane Gorman, who works at the Hobart clinic, said about 30% of patients don't have a regular GP. The clinic handles minor illnesses, injuries and complex lacerations, with only 2% of cases requiring transfer to emergency departments.
Winter said his proposed TassieDoc program would work alongside federal initiatives to provide bulk-billed GP services in state-run clinics across Tasmania.
"TassieDoc is the solution to solve these problems. It means that Tasmanians will be able to get in to see a GP and be bulk billed before they need urgent care," Winter said.
The announcement comes as Tasmania prepares for a state election, with Winter positioning his Labor team as partners with the federal government on healthcare expansion.
Antisemitism Concerns Draw Federal Response
Albanese faced questioning about rising antisemitic incidents following recent attacks on Melbourne synagogues. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has pressed the government to consider new proposals to combat antisemitism.
"Antisemitism is a scourge. It has no place in Australia," Albanese said, defending his government's response including $60 million in security funding for Jewish community facilities.
The Prime Minister revealed he spoke with Jewish community leader Peter Wertheim on Saturday and said his government has responded to every security request "expeditiously." He credited Commonwealth-funded CCTV and security improvements with helping quickly arrest a suspect in recent synagogue attacks.
When asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call for stronger action against hate crimes, Albanese declined to respond directly, saying "that's matter for him."
Albanese appointed Special Envoy on Antisemitism Jillian Segal and promised more announcements "in coming days" but rejected calls for a National Cabinet meeting on the issue.
"Every time an issue comes up, people say, 'let's have a National Cabinet'. Let's be clear, what people want is not a meeting. They want action," he said.
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Trade and Economic Challenges
The Prime Minister addressed concerns about new U.S. tariffs affecting allies including Japan and South Korea, defending Australia's position in securing a 10% tariff rate from the Trump administration.
"Australia has a tariff rate of 10%, which is at least as low as any country in the world. No country has a better deal than Australia," Albanese said.
He characterized tariffs as "an act of economic self harm" and said Australia continues advocating for zero tariffs, though "no country has secured an exemption from the US Administration."
Albanese also confirmed the government is close to finalizing a support package for Nyrstar's zinc operations in Tasmania, involving federal, Tasmanian and South Australian governments. The company has already received $70 million in combined funding.
"This isn't an issue of politics. This is a matter of making sure that we get this done," he said, noting the manufacturing facility's importance to national interests.
Interest Rates and Economic Outlook
With the Reserve Bank of Australia set to announce its interest rate decision Tuesday afternoon, Albanese declined to speculate on potential changes for mortgage holders.
"The RBA is independent and I await the decision, as do other Australians," he said when asked if mortgage holders could expect a rate cut.
The Prime Minister also addressed questions about Tasmania's GST arrangements, defending the "no worse off guarantee" currently in place but avoiding specific commitments about extending it beyond current forward estimates.
"We have our position which we've put out there, so it's very clear that there's a no worse off guarantee in place," he said.
Looking Ahead
Albanese's China visit will include meetings with the National People's Congress Chairman Zhao Leji and participation in an Australia-China CEO Roundtable designed to strengthen business ties between the countries.
The trip represents continued efforts to stabilize the bilateral relationship following his first visit as Prime Minister in November 2023. Leaders will exchange views on global and regional issues while addressing areas of cooperation and disagreement.
"Direct engagement between Australia and China at the highest levels enables difference to be addressed, and is central to a constructive relationship," the Prime Minister's office said in the announcement.
The visit occurs as both nations work to maintain economic partnerships while navigating broader regional security concerns and differing positions on international issues.
For Tasmania, the healthcare announcements signal increased federal-state cooperation ahead of the upcoming election, with Winter positioning his team as the natural partner for Albanese's health agenda.
The convergence of international diplomacy, domestic health policy and regional politics underscores the complex challenges facing the Albanese government as it balances multiple priorities across different levels of government and international relationships.
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