Besides writing on strategic affairs, Kareem recently participated in an Australia-UK Emerging Leaders workshop on Indo-Pacific Security and Affairs, organized by Young Australians in International Affairs. Currently, Kareem is a research assistant to Dr Claudia Astarita at Sciences Po, France.
- Security Watch – BRICS: symptom of an emerging multipolar world ? - September 9, 2023
- Security Watch: What implications does the Niger coup d’état have for the Sahel? - August 21, 2023
- Security Watch: Can Riyadh and Tehran Achieve a Lasting Détente? - August 7, 2023
Tuesday’s Nov. 15 meeting on the sidelines of the G20 marks an important step in restoring bilateral relations ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next month.
Xi Jinping hosted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a friendly exchange at the Mulia Resort, a luxury hotel in Nusa Dua, Indonesia.
The last Australian prime minister to hold a full formal meeting with China’s president-for-life was Malcolm Turnbull in 2016.
Australia’s diplomatic ties with China have endured an uneasy ride since then. The deterioration in relations notably reached its nadir after 2020, when then Foreign Minister Marise Payne unexpectedly announced in April of that year that Australia would push for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19. China responded with $20 billion in trade sanctions on many Australian products, including barley, beef and wine.
As they got down to business, Xi and Albanese sat across from each other at long tables, both men communicating with the help of interpreters. In their opening statements, the pair referred to their nations’ recent unsettled relationship. Xi said that ties had “experienced some difficulties,” a judgement echoed by Albanese in almost exact terms. There was no apology from either side for past behavior or any hint of willingness to cede ground on fundamental differences: regional security, trade, and human rights.
“Australia seeks a stable relationship with China.” Albanese said, “We have big differences to manage, but we’re always going to be better off when we have dialogue and we are able to talk constructively and respectfully, but also honestly, about what those differences are.”
The meeting concluded after nearly half an hour. It remains to be seen whether formal leader level meetings will become normalised.
Question for future reflection:
How long will the strategic pause in tensions last?
