CHINA-Foreign Ministers Meeting Seen As Precursor To Premier Li Visit

(MNI) London - A meeting between Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi is being viewed as a precursor to a potential trip to Australia for Chinese Premier Li Qiang. A visit from Li would be seen as the clearest signal of something approaching a rapprochement between Australia and China after several years of frozen relations. Chinese tariffs on Australian exports, most notably commodities and wine have been lifted amid the warming ties.

• While the state of relations has improved, there is likely to be a ceiling to how close the two countries can become diplomatically. As Wong stated ahead of her meeting with Wang, "I look forward to speaking frankly with you about Australians detained in China, human rights, maritime security and safety, as well as regional and international issues, such as the Pacific, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East,"
• The overwhelmingly positive language used in the various statements from the Chinese Foreign Ministry come as concern in Australia mounts as to the impact of US President Joe Biden's budget on the AUKUS pact, in particular with regards to the US provision of nuclear-powered submarines.
• Telegraph: "Amid a row at home over government budgets, the White House this month suggested halving the number of Virginia-class submarines it builds next year – the very same type it has promised to Australia under Aukus. That means the US faces a shortfall itself, raising the prospect it may refuse to sell its existing vessels and leave Canberra in the lurch."