The talks between President Xi Jinping and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese must be hailed as a success and the beginning of the process of restoring diplomatic and trade ties between the two countries.

In 1973, the then-prime minister, Gough Whitlam, became the first Australian head of state to visit China since the “cultural revolution” (1966-76). This paved the way to cement diplomatic relations and trade between the two, and both prospered over the years. However, relations soured in recent years with Australia’s change of government and its coming under greater American influence. The harassment of China by the previous government of Scott Morrison led to strained relations.

Exactly 50 years after that famous Whitlam visit, the new prime minister, Albanese, went to China (at the invitation of President Xi at last year’s Bali G20 meeting) to mend fences. And that he did.

The Whitlam visit was the linchpin of the hourlong meeting, with Xi remarking to Albanese: “In China, we often say when drinking water, we should not forget those who dug the well. The Chinese people will not forget prime minister Whitlam for digging the well for us.”

Albanese was awestruck by the Chinese hospitality during the visit and he marveled at the 100-piece PLA military band’s rendition of Australian folk songs during the State banquet in the Great Hall of the People. He felt this was a great honor and was much appreciated.

His goal in Beijing was to stabilize relationships, and this has been achieved with the setting up of annual meetings between the two premiers as well as inviting President Xi and Premier Li Qiang to pay reciprocal visits to Australia. Trust can be restored only through this close and personal understanding.

Xi said that China and Australia, both countries in the Asia-Pacific and members of the G20, share no historical grievances or fundamental conflicts of interest, adding that the two sides can become partners who trust each other and facilitate each other’s development.

“It is also important to grasp the right direction of China-Australia relations amid the profound changes in the global situation. If a nation prioritizes only its national interests, the world seems small, crowded, and full of risks and competition. However, if viewed from the perspective of a shared future, the world is vast, abundant, and full of opportunities and cooperation. In the tumultuous waves of global crises, the countries are not each riding in more than 190 small boats but on a shared big vessel,” he added.

The talks between President Xi Jinping and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese must be hailed as a success and the beginning of the process of restoring diplomatic and trade ties between the two countries

Xi called on the two nations to follow the trends of the times, building a relationship based on equality, seeking common ground while reserving differences, pursuing mutual benefit, and continuing to advance the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

This is all positive stuff and augurs well for the future.

US President Joe Biden advised Albanese during a state visit to the US last month to trust the Chinese but “verify”. What was meant by “verify” is not clear, but Albanese is his own man and uses his judgment and instincts when dealing with China. It’s all a matter of trust.

China was criticized by the Australians for imposing “sanctions” on agricultural products, wine and sea food, valued at some $12.8 billion. Some have already been lifted, and others are likely to be lifted soon. However, the sanctions would not have been imposed if the Morrison government had not taken such a hostile stance against China. It was to be expected.

Albanese’s China trip had a twofold purpose: to rekindle diplomatic ties and strengthen trade deals. He accomplished both.

Before his Beijing visit, Albanese and his entourage, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Commerce Minister Don Farrell, stopped in Shanghai for the China International Import Expo, which featured some 250 Australian exhibitors, at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang.

According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data, China is Australia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching over $180 billion in 2021-22.

The wine trade is important for Australia as the industry has been battered by a worldwide slowdown in consumption and increased taxes. Australia has a wine glut that could fill 859 Olympic swimming pools, and the wine growers are hemorrhaging. From a whopping $770 million in value for 2020, bottled-wine exports to China have been reduced to only $5.2 million in the year to June 2023. Lobsters also feature big on the Chinese diet. Although frozen lobsters from Australia can be exported to the Chinese market, live ones are being negotiated. And of course, the Chinese love fresh food. Trade in live lobster between Australia and China stalled in 2020 when Australian lobster exports plummeted from $527 million in 2018-19 to around $250 million in 2020-21.

Australian national broadcaster ABC summed up the meeting with: “Albanese’s post-meeting grin said it all. The prime minister was more than happy with the outcome.”

The author is a former chief information officer of the Hong Kong government, a public relations and media consultant, and a veteran journalist.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.