Key facts
- Albanese to visit Beijing next month after attending Apec summit.
- Apec summit in Shenzhen runs November 18-19.
- Visit aims to stabilize and enhance Australia-China relations.
- China's bid to join CPTPP to be discussed.
- Human rights and detained individuals like Yang Hengjun likely to be raised.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to visit Beijing next month, following his attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders’ summit in Shenzhen from November 18 to 19. This trip aims to further stabilize and enhance the relationship between Australia and China, which has seen recent diplomatic and economic advancements. Albanese's previous visit in November 2023 was seen as a diplomatic breakthrough, leading to the release of Australian journalist Cheng Lei and the lifting of trade barriers. Discussions during the upcoming visit are anticipated to include China's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), with Australia playing a key role as the pact's chair. The Prime Minister is also expected to address contentious issues such as human rights concerns and the case of detained Australian writer Yang Hengjun.