‘Factional warrior’ meeting with PM shows easing ties
Experts say the meeting between the prime minister and one of China’s top political leaders is another sign that relations between Australia and its largest trading partner are thawing.
Anthony Albanese held talks with Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, in Canberra on Tuesday, on the final day of the senior official’s four-day visit to Australia.
The visit of President Zhao, China’s third-highest political leader, was met with protests and security warnings to lawmakers during a visit to Parliament House on Monday.
Graeme Smith, senior researcher at the Australian National University’s Pacific Affairs department, said the visit was important for relations between Australia and China.
“It’s not often we get this important, great man here,” Professor Smith told AAP.
“He is an important name in terms of the work he has done in the past.
He was the former head of the Organization Department, arguably one of the three most powerful organizations in China.
“If you were to describe him in the Australian sense, you would call him a factional warrior.”
President Zhao’s visit follows Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia in June.
Tensions between China and Australia have thawed in recent years with the lifting of a trade ban worth billions of dollars on Australian exports following a diplomatic standoff between the two countries.
“The relationship appears to be more stable than it has been for several years,” Prof Smith said.
The President’s visit to Canberra sparked protests outside Parliament House ahead of the visit.
Most of the visit took place in secrecy, and the president did not make any public statements during the trip.
Ahead of the visit to Parliament House, politicians and staff were given a list of security measures they must follow.
“Suites and offices adjacent to delegation movements may wish to ensure that doors and shutters are closed for privacy during the visit,” the security alert said.
