in April for a charming visit.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will be the first Australian leader to visit China since 2013 and is expected to arrive in Beijing in mid-April. According to Chinese officials, this visit shows a “positive sign” which is a “good thing” for the two countries in a relationship that has been somewhat strained over the year.
During his visit, Morrison will focus on strengthening both the economic and political ties between the two countries. He will meet with China’s President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, and will seek to expand the Australia-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) which was established in 2013.
Other topics of discussion are likely to be high-tech financing arrangements, as well as investment and trade. The two leaders will also explore ways to further cooperate in the areas of climate change and regional security.
This visit could not come at a better time, as both countries have recently ratified the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), allowing them to trade more freely and further develop their economic relationship.
Morrison’s visit will be the first of a potential many visits from Australian senior leaders over the coming year and will pave the way for further economic and political cooperation between the two countries.
