Senior CCP Leader Urges Australia to Respect Beijing’s Taiwan Position

Australia keeps its Taiwan position deliberately vague, influenced heavily by its deep economic ties with China.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and 3rd ranking Chinese official, applauds during the opening session of the NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5, 2025. Adek Berry/AFP via Getty Images

China’s third-ranking official has urged Australia to respect Beijing’s claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea during meetings in Canberra.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and a close ally of CCP leader Xi Jinping, met Australia’s Governor-General Samantha Mostyn and attended a breakfast hosted by Prime Minister Albanese on Nov. 24.