Agreements with China reflect renewed dialogue

Today Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Canberra for their Annual Leaders’ Meeting.

Following the meeting, the leaders witnessed the signature of a range of bilateral arrangements that will renew dialogue and strengthen cooperation between Australia and China.

Australia’s goods and services exports to China have more than doubled since China-Australia Free Trade Agreement entered into force in 2015. Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen its implementation.

A Memorandum of Understanding on our Strategic Economic Dialogue will take forward discussions on economic policy issues and our bilateral economic cooperation.

Leaders welcomed the resumption of cooperation on climate change through an updated Memorandum of Understanding, which provides a framework to deepen dialogue on this vital issue. Australia will host the next Australia-China Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Change later this year.

Education remains our largest services export to China, and China has been our largest source country for international students since 2002.

Leaders oversaw the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding on Education and Research Cooperation, which will encourage further cooperation in areas such as quality assurance, online education, and qualification recognition.

Australian and China also strengthened collaboration between our arts and cultural sectors through the 15th Implementation Program under the 1981 Agreement on Cultural Cooperation. The program will encourage collaboration, visits and skills exchanges between creative and cultural professionals and institutions.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese

“I was pleased to host Premier Li today for the Annual Leaders’ Meeting, which built on the progress made since my visit to China last November.

“The agreements reached today are a result of the Government’s steady and deliberate approach to our relationship with China.

“They also reflect the broad range of areas where we can cooperate and work to mutual benefit.

“Bilateral trade has brought significant benefits to both our countries. China remains our largest trading partner and trade supports one in four Australian jobs.

“Australia and China recognise the need to work together to tackle climate change—a global issue that requires a global response."

https://www.pm.gov.au/media/agreements-china-reflect-renewed-dialogue