China thaw: Morrison minister to fly into ShanghaiKirsty Needham3 November 2018 — 12:00am
Beijing: China's year-long freeze on official visits by Australian ministers has ended, with Trade Minister Simon Birmingham due to arrive in Shanghai on Sunday, cementing the Morrison government's thaw in relations with China.
Mr Birmingham will attend a state dinner on Sunday evening for ministers and government leaders attending Chinese president Xi Jinping's flagship trade event, the China International Import Expo.
The meeting will indicate the resumption of normal high-level exchanges on Chinese soil between the federal government and Beijing, after a dispute over the Turnbull government's handling of foreign interference legislation.
Former trade minister Steven Ciobo's visit to Shanghai in May to attend an AFL game was regarded by China as an unofficial visit.
More than 2800 companies from 130 countries will participate in the expo. World leaders from 18 countries will attend, including Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Britain's delegation will be led by Prince Andrew.
Although big US companies, including GE, Microsoft, Facebook and Google will attend, the White House won't send an official delegation. This was discussed by Xi and US president Donald Trump in a phone call on the trade dispute on Thursday.
China's imports rose 16 per cent to $US1.74 trillion in 2017.
AustCham Shanghai chief executive Jack Brady said Australia will have one of the largest representations of any country in the expo's food and beverage section.
"This is clearly a significant event for China and Xi Jinping, but also a significant week for the Australia-China relationship. Australia has well and truly backed this event," he said.
He said the challenge was to "secure real trade outcomes" during the week. Australia's Free Trade Agreement, which has already reduced many tariffs, will provide a competitive advantage.
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PUBLISHED : Friday, 02 November, 2018, 9:02am
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