Foreign Minister Penny Wong will meet with Wang Yi in Canberra next Wednesday, March 20.
The meeting will continue the Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue, a long-standing mechanism that allows both countries to exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of interest.
Such a meeting was last held between Wong and Wang in Beijing in 2022.
“Dialogue is central to a constructive relationship with China and to supporting regional peace and stability,” Wong said in a statement.
“Australia’s approach is consistent; we seek to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in our national interest.
“It’s Australia’s view that a stable bilateral relationship would enable both countries to pursue respective national interests, if we navigate our differences wisely.”
Wong is expected to speak with Wang about multiple issues, including consular matters, ongoing trade impediments, human rights, conflict prevention and regional security.
It comes after China’s commerce ministry recommended the government lift its tariff on Australian wines, which have been in place for close to four years.
Amid thawing relations with the Albanese government, Beijing has already removed tariffs on beef, barley, coal, and cotton.
Detained Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who had been accused of spying by China, was also released and returned home last year.
However, Wang’s visit is unlikely to be entirely without friction, as Australia and China remain at odds on several major issues.
Australian ally steps up presence in disputed waters
The federal government’s ongoing commitment to the AUKUS alliance and involvement in the Quad sees Australia arrayed against China in the latter’s attempt to dominate traffic through the South China Sea.
“Australia will not relent in our advocacy for justice for Dr Yang’s interests and well-being, including appropriate medical treatment,” she said after the sentence was handed down last month.
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