Premier of China, Li Qiang, met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Monday in the first state visit by a Chinese premier to the country in seven years, as bilateral relations between the two countries stabilizes.
Li arrived at Parliament House for talks both parties described as candid. Li has said the meetings would focus on trade and Australian imports, while Albanese promised to raise concerns regarding human rights in China and foreign policy.
This visit is a positive step forward for bilateral relations between two Pacific partners. Albanese has struck a conciliatory note following his bellicose predecessor, and both sides are sincere in their desire to repair relations. China is Australia's biggest trading partner, and they will hopefully see the benefits of cordial relations with China.
Australia should not become sycophants to Beijing, as China's abysmal human rights record has real consequences for Australian citizens. An Australian-Chinese academic has received a suspended death sentence in China and dissidents in Australia are having their voices go unheard. Canberra should not humor an authoritarian regime.