China has added Australia to its list of visa-free countries, a clear sign of improving ties as Chinese premier Li Qiang continues his four-day visit to Australia. This is the first visit to Australia by a Chinese premier since early 2017, a visit designed to show how relations are improving despite years of tension over trade and foreign interference. After meeting Li on Monday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the stabilization of ties, adding: "Our approach has of course been patient, calibrated and deliberate. I’ve said repeatedly we'll cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, but engage in our national interest." On Sunday, Li started his trip with a visit to an Australian winery and Adelaide Zoo where he announced Beijing would provide a new pair of giant pandas. He also said China-Australia relations were "back on track." China is Australia's largest trade partner. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports on the diplomatic shift underway in Australia.
15 июн 2024
