Australia PM Albanese confirms China visit amid trade, AI discussions

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to visit China, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu, marking his second trip since his re-election in May. This visit aims to deepen cooperation in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and the digital economy amid discussions about revising the decade-old China-Australia Free Trade Agreement to enhance trade in agriculture, mining, and emerging technologies. China, Australia's largest trading partner, has expressed willingness to review the trade agreement with a more open and higher standard. Albanese emphasized the importance of maintaining communication despite differences and stated that Australia will independently determine its policy regarding expanding trade ties to include AI. The trip follows China's removal of trade barriers on Australian exports, boosting sectors like wine and barley, and coincides with Australia's cooperation with the US and UK on AI and advanced military capabilities through AUKUS. Albanese's visit reflects a strategic balance between economic opportunity and geopolitical considerations as Australia navigates its relationship with China.