Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on Saturday to “put aside differences” with Australia at the start of a four-day visit focused on improving economic opportunities.
Lee arrived in Adelaide at the start of his diplomatic mission across the resource-rich continent.
China has gradually removed tough trade sanctions on timber, barley and beef exports that it imposed in 2020 during a diplomatic spat with the previous conservative government.
These measures cost Australian exporters an estimated 20 billion Australian dollars (13 billion US dollars) annually.
Economic relations between the two countries have improved since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government took power in 2022 and adopted a softer diplomatic approach.
“History has proven that mutual respect, seeking common ground while putting aside differences and mutually beneficial cooperation is a valuable experience in the development of China-Australia relations, and must be carried forward,” Li said in a statement upon his arrival.
He added, “A more mature, stable and productive comprehensive strategic partnership will be a common treasure enjoyed by the peoples of the two countries.”
Lee arrived in Australia from New Zealand where he conducted a similar visit focused on trade. He is the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit Australia since 2017.
His visit program includes talks with Albanese before an official lunch in Canberra, then heading to a lithium mine in Western Australia.
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