By: Andrew Y. Lu

Four years after Australia’s relationship with China began plummeting, both nations started to investigate what could repair their connection. The leaders from both countries hope to relieve tensions. Officials have taken measures to accomplish this.

If their relationship improves, both countries could benefit significantly economically and politically. But their recent disagreements over technology, trade barriers, and politics have resulted in growing tensions. Australian politicians blame China for expanding its military, influencing Australian politics, and its navy prowling in the South Pacific Ocean. Chinese officials have released their own statement.

Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, stated in a speech at the University of Technology Sydney, “There is every reason for China and Australia to be friends and partners, rather than adversaries.”

Mr. Xiao was interrupted countless times by protestors, all calling for China to end its “repression” of Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong. One person shouted, “This man should be a pariah.”

Historically, lands from Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong were rightfully Ancient China’s for many dynasties. The United Kingdom took Hong Kong away from China in 1842 and returned it in 1997. Xinjiang was China’s ground already at around 700 AD during the Tang Dynasty. Tibet is composed of minor tribe groups that were historically part of China.

Later, Mr. Xiao said: “The atmosphere in both countries needs to be improved, that’s a fact.”

Both governments desire to improve positive correspondence. Multiple leaders have taken an effort to do that. Mr. Xiao has given speeches, newspaper commentaries, and private meetings in that the Chinese Government wants better relationships. China’s premier, Li Keqiang, congratulated Australia’s newly elected Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. The leaders from both countries held talks in Singapore, ending the lack of official meetings since 2020.

Mr. Albanese said that he also wanted to restore “high-level dialogue” with China, Australia’s biggest trading partner, with the exception that China must lift trade sanctions for the ties to improve. “Already there have been some improvements,” Mr. Albanese said recently. “But there’s a long way to go.”

Even with great advancement, both sides must proceed cautiously. But we need to look on the bright side, both governments could fix their relationships. China would be an invaluable ally, boasting a remarkable military and economy. It’s always useful to have more on your flank when global tensions are rising.