Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to China reflects a bid to lock in economic gains while avoiding direct confrontation, an approach that will yield short-term trade benefits. However, mounting regional security risks will likely force Canberra to harden its stance, limiting the scope of long-term economic engagement with Beijing. Albanese conducted a high-profile six-day visit to China on July 12-18, the first by an Australian head of government in nearly a decade. The trip included one-on-one meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and economic and tourism-focused meetings in Shanghai, as well as other, photo-friendly events meant to generate positive sentiment, such as a visit to a panda facility in Chengdu. Both sides agreed to expand people-to-people exchanges, tourism facilitation and long-term business access. Concrete deliverables included 10-year multiple-entry visa agreements for Chinese nationals, visa-free short-term access for Australians, the resumption of formal trade dialogues and new bilateral...
