BEIJING: China’s vast market will remain open to the world, and China is willing to import more high-quality products from Australia, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday.
During a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Li emphasized that China is prepared to work with Australia to broaden and enhance bilateral trade. He noted the importance of supporting businesses from both countries in pursuing cooperation based on market principles to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
Highlighting the challenges of a complex and uncertain global environment marked by geopolitical tensions and protectionism, Li said both nations, as key partners, should guide their relationship in a positive direction. He stressed the need to maintain a constructive atmosphere and build on the progress already made in bilateral ties.
China is ready to collaborate with Australia in implementing the consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Albanese last year. This includes sustaining high-level exchanges, improving communication and coordination, strengthening political trust, and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. Li added that both sides should uphold multilateralism and free trade to contribute to regional and global stability.
Li further noted that China-Australia economic and trade relations have strong underlying momentum and significant long-term potential. He said that during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), China will prioritize expanding domestic demand, boosting consumption, increasing household spending, and unlocking further market potential.
He also called for accelerating discussions on reviewing and upgrading the bilateral free trade agreement to provide stronger institutional support for cooperation. Additionally, Li pointed out the vast opportunities in green collaboration, stating that China is willing to work with Australia in areas such as clean energy, electric vehicles, energy storage, and carbon reduction to drive the growth of the green economy.
For his part, Albanese said the Australian government remains committed to fostering a stable, mature, and constructive relationship with China. He noted that, under current global conditions, the steady development of bilateral ties is especially important.
Australia has long adhered to the one-China policy and is willing to strengthen high-level engagement with China. Albanese said his country seeks to expand cooperation in trade, investment, mining, clean energy, and people-to-people exchanges, while managing differences through mutual respect and advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership.
Albanese added that he looks forward to visiting China to attend the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Australia is willing to enhance multilateral communication and coordination with China to address global challenges and promote world peace, stability, and development, he said.
