Anthony Albanese will soon be the first Australian prime minister in 7 years to visit China

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Anthony Albanese will soon become the first Australian prime minister in seven years to visit China in recognition of improving bilateral relations. Ties between China and Australia crashed to unprecedented depths during those years over trade and security. The 2022 election of Albanese’s center-left government created an opportunity for a reset. He arrives Saturday in Shanghai and will later meet with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. China had curbed diplomatic contacts in reaction to Australian national security laws and later targeted trade when Australia raised questions over COVID-19 origins. Albanese says it’s in Australia’s interests to have good relations with China.