Paul Keating, Australia’s former Prime Minister, is set to meet with China‘s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, aiming to improve relations between the two countries. Keating, known for his favorable stance towards China, announced his meeting with Wang, describing it as a positive step towards discussing international issues. This news was shared by Reuters on March 18, 2024.
Wang Yi’s trip marks the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Australia since 2017. He plans to meet with Australia’s current Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, and engage with business leaders in Canberra. These meetings are part of efforts by Australia’s Labor government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to mend ties with China, Australia’s key trade partner.
Notably, tensions had risen due to various trade restrictions imposed by China and disagreements over regional security issues. However, there have been signs of progress, such as China‘s recent decision to lift tariffs on Australian wine.
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Keating, who led Australia from 1991 to 1996 and once served on the board of the China Development Bank, has openly criticized the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal with the U.S. He argues that it draws Australia closer to the United States at the expense of its regional relationships, particularly with China. The AUKUS agreement, supported by both the previous Liberal government and the current Labor government, has been criticized by China as promoting military confrontation.
Keating expressed his support for Prime Minister Albanese’s approach to foreign policy, highlighting a shift from the previous government’s more confrontational stance to a more civil and productive relationship with China. This change comes amid ongoing challenges, such as the recent sentencing of Australian blogger Yang Hengjun in Beijing, which is likely to be a topic of discussion during the ministers’ meetings.
The meetings between Australian and Chinese officials, including the unexpected invitation to Keating, signal a mutual interest in stabilizing and improving bilateral relations. This development, as reported by Reuters, emphasizes the ongoing diplomatic efforts to navigate complex international relationships.
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