Li Qiang and China look to make up with Australia
The superpower is seeking to ease tensions with at least some of America’s allies
“My government is pro-panda,” said Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, as he prepared to host the highest-ranking Chinese visitor to his country in seven years. Mr Albanese was simply referring to the bears that China has lent to Australia’s Adelaide Zoo. Still, such sound-bites had long been rare before he was elected in 2022. Relations between China and Australia had suffered years of acrimony. The mood is now much changed. During his four-day trip to Australia, beginning on June 15th, China’s prime minister, Li Qiang, will be keen to show that even with one of America’s closest allies, cordial ties are possible.
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This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “From wolf warrior to panda-pusher”
From the June 15th 2024 edition
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