China-Australia Relations Revisited: What Businesses Can Expect From Prime Minister’s 2025 China Visit

Australia’s Prime Minister (PM) will visit China for the 2025 leaders’ meeting. Businesses on both sides are watching for signs of deeper trade and investment cooperation.

Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese will pay an official visit to China from July 12 to 18, 2025, at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This marks a significant moment in Australia-China relations, following recent progress in stabilizing trade ties and reopening diplomatic dialogue. For businesses invested in or exporting to China, this visit is expected to strengthen economic cooperation and bring clarity to key areas of concern.

Albanese is scheduled to meet with Premier Li, President Xi Jinping, and National People’s Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji in Beijing. He will also participate in the annual Australia-China leaders’ meeting, which includes the CEO Roundtable—a platform for senior business leaders to discuss trade and investment priorities.

For businesses invested in or exporting to China, this visit is expected to strengthen economic cooperation and bring clarity to key areas of commercial interest.

A high-level visit amid cautious optimism

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According to official announcements from both countries, Albanese will hold talks with Premier Li and meet President Xi Jinping and top legislator Zhao Leji in Beijing. The visit signals a return to direct, high-level engagement after several years of strained ties caused by geopolitical friction, pandemic disruptions, and bilateral trade tensions.

During the visit, both governments will also host the Australia-China CEO Roundtable, bringing together leading executives from both countries to explore trade, investment, and supply chain opportunities.

Key discussion areas: Trade, tourism, and regional stability

While formal agendas have not been fully disclosed, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated that talks will cover:

• Bilateral trade and investment ties

• Resumption of tourism and travel flows

• Regional and global geopolitical issues of mutual concern

For foreign companies operating in China, or for those using Australia as part of their Asia-Pacific supply chain strategy, this is a crucial signal that political dialogue is again supporting commercial engagement.

What businesses on both sides can expect

Stabilized trade environment

After a turbulent period marked by tariffs and import restrictions, recent months have seen a gradual resolution of key trade disputes, such as China’s removal of tariffs on Australian barley and coal. This visit may accelerate the normalization of other trade channels, including wine, beef, and lobster.

Businesses on both sides can expect:

• Reduced risk in cross-border trade and fewer regulatory disruptions

• Greater clarity in export/import licensing and customs procedures

• Support for sector-specific dialogues, particularly in agriculture, education, resources, and clean energy

Signals for service-sector investors

Australian firms in the education, tourism, and professional services sectors—once dominant players in China—may see renewed momentum. With the potential easing of visa restrictions and promotion of bilateral travel, both countries stand to benefit from people-to-people exchanges.

Chinese investors in sectors like real estate, healthcare, and technology could also find Australia more open as diplomatic trust is rebuilt.

A platform for long-term cooperation

The CEO roundtable and leaders’ summit could pave the way for structured dialogue on emerging business issues, such as:

• Green energy transition and climate finance

• Supply chain diversification strategies

• Digital economy regulation and data flows

These are areas where Australia’s policy focus and China’s industrial needs increasingly intersect.

Strategic outlook: Reset, not reset button

While this visit is unlikely to erase all strategic differences between the two countries, it marks a turning point in building constructive economic engagement amid complex global challenges. For foreign investors in China, especially those involved in exporting to Australia or partnering with Australian firms, the diplomatic momentum could improve business sentiment and operational predictability.

Final thoughts for foreign investors

Foreign companies active in China—especially those in agribusiness, mining, education, and clean technology—should pay close attention to outcomes from this visit. Positive developments may create new commercial openings, smoother regulatory paths, and greater political assurance for cross-border investments.

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