Australia PM Albanese vows to 'work constructively with China'

On Sunday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to “work constructively” with China to improve cold relations. On the first full day of a high-profile state visit to his country’s largest economic partner, Albanese spoke at the opening of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai. “Constructive economic engagement between countries helps to build relationships… that is why the government that I lead will continue to work constructively with China,” Albanese said in a speech. The prime minister will visit China for four days, spending his time between Shanghai and Beijing. It is the first such visit by an Australian leader in seven years, as the two countries try to mend fences following a diplomatic feud that cost billions of dollars in trade. Albanese’s administration has worked to improve relations with China while simultaneously opposing Beijing’s expanding influence in the Pacific. China’s foreign ministry has said that Albanese would meet Chinese leaders and “have an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral issues as well as on international and regional issues of common concern”. “A healthy and stable China-Australia relationship accords with the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples,” said ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.