Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has greeted Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Australian Parliament in Canberra for significant discussions, described by both parties as frank.

Li’s four-day visit, the first by a Chinese premier in seven years, follows Beijing’s decision to remove extensive tariffs on major Australian exports like wine, coal, and barley.

During a post-talks news conference, Albanese noted he addressed issues such as human rights in China, the Pacific situation, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“We … have our differences … that’s why candid dialogue is essential,” Albanese remarked. “Australia consistently champions the significance of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region and world, where nations respect sovereignty and adhere to international laws.”

Li described the meeting as “candid, in-depth, and productive,” announcing Australia’s inclusion in China’s visa waiver program.

Human rights protesters gathered outside the parliament, waving flags and placards supporting Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong.

Heavy police presence and barricades separated them from a pro-China group displaying their national flag.

Reporters noted a tense atmosphere with occasional scuffles.

Li was welcomed by a brass band for a military guard inspection at Parliament House, with a 19-gun salute briefly overwhelming the protesters’ noise. At a state luncheon with over 300 guests, Li was offered a menu featuring Australian beef and Canberra-region wines, according to ABC.

Detained Writer

Li, who arrived on Sunday, aimed to emphasize trade, camaraderie, and China’s affinity for Australian products.

However, before their closed-door meeting, Albanese had vowed to discuss more delicate matters, such as the case of imprisoned dissident writer Yang Hengjun.

Yang, an Australian author born in China, received a suspended death sentence in February for espionage. The sentence was affirmed by a Beijing court just before Li’s visit, Yang’s advocates reported.

They urged Albanese to request Li to allow Yang’s transfer to Australia on health grounds, arguing that it’s impossible to attain a stable, respectful bilateral relationship while China’s officials are threatening an Australian political prisoner’s life.

Recently, Australia has rebuked China’s military for “unacceptable” and “unsafe” conduct in international air and waters, advocating restraint in the almost entirely Beijing-claimed South China Sea.

Australia has also joined the Quad security alliance with India, Japan, and the US, as well as the AUKUS pact with the UK and US.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated on Monday’s radio interview that these alliances aim to ensure regional safety and stability, while underscoring the necessity of ongoing engagement with China, which views these pacts as containment efforts.

University of Sydney’s Minglu Chen suggested Australia would cautiously ease public criticisms of its largest trading partner.

“Not all security issues will instantly vanish,” she told AFP. “Yet, this visit symbolizes goodwill and signals China’s willingness to engage with foreign nations."

Upon his arrival on Sunday, Li described the relationship as “back on track” while enjoying lunch at a historic vineyard in South Australia, severely impacted by the trade barriers.

He also announced two new pandas for Adelaide Zoo to replace a pair returning to China by year’s end.

China purchases one-third of Australian exports and provides a quarter of its imports.

Trade between the two nations amounted to 327 billion Australian dollars ($215.95bn) last year as trade barriers eased.

Relations soured over Australian laws banning covert foreign interference, exclusion of Huawei from the 5G network due to security concerns, and Australia’s call for an independent probe into the COVID-19 pandemic’s origins and responses.