Australian PM Albanese to Meet with China's Premier, Climate Change Lawsuit, Trump Gives Putin Deadline

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to meet with China's Premier Li Qiang, emphasizing the benefits of Australia's stable relationship with its largest trading partner. Albanese will discuss security issues, including the return of the Port of Darwin. Meanwhile, a court will decide if the federal government has a duty of care to protect First Nations people from climate change impacts.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to meet with China's Premier Li Qiang this week, emphasizing the benefits of Australia's stable relationship with its largest trading partner. The visit comes at a critical moment, as Australia seeks to manage its economic dependence on China while addressing security concerns.

Albanese's visit is part of a broader effort to shore up trade relations between Australia and China. The prime minister will discuss a range of issues, including security concerns, trade barriers, and climate change cooperation. Notably, Albanese will raise the issue of the Port of Darwin, which the government has promised to return to Australian control [2].

The visit follows a series of high-level exchanges, including meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman Zhao Leji of the National People’s Congress. Albanese is leading a large business delegation, highlighting the importance of economic relations between the two countries [1].

Albanese has managed to persuade Beijing to remove trade barriers introduced under the previous conservative government, which cost Australian exporters more than 20 billion Australian dollars ($13 billion) a year. The prime minister has emphasized the need for a calm and consistent relationship with China, stating that it is in Australia's interest to have good relations with its largest trading partner [1].

The visit also comes at a time when Australia is increasingly uncertain about how to manage the Trump administration's "America First" agenda. While China remains an indispensable economic partner, it is also a looming strategic threat. Albanese will need to navigate these complexities while discussing the return of the Port of Darwin and other sensitive issues [2].

Despite these challenges, Australia cannot simply turn its back on China. The prime minister will likely discuss climate change cooperation, given China's significant role in reducing emissions and its leadership in renewable energy production. Australia needs access to Chinese technology and industrial capability to meet its own climate goals [2].

The visit will also involve discussions about the future of the Australia-China trade relationship, including potential expansions of the free-trade agreement. However, there are limits to what Australia is willing to agree to, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, where security concerns remain a significant barrier [2].

In summary, Albanese's visit to China is a crucial opportunity to balance trade and security concerns. The prime minister will need to navigate a complex set of issues while emphasizing the importance of a stable relationship with Australia's largest trading partner.

References:

[1] https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/australia-albanese-china-visit-xi-trade/2025/07/13/id/1218624/
[2] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-11/anthony-albanese-trip-china-trade-security-president-xi/105521214