Relations Between Canberra and Beijing ‘Productive’ but Still Needs Work: Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the two countries will continue to engage. Meanwhile, Australian writer Yang Hengjun faces a death sentence.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong (L) holds talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd R) at a bilateral meeting in Canberra on March 20, 2024. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting Australia to hold talks on bilateral and international issues with Australian officials. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

Australia and Beijing have a “mature and productive relationship,” according to Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, but she cautions that it “doesn’t just happen” and “needs ongoing work.”

Following her meeting with high-ranking Chinese Communist Party (CCP) official Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Canberra today, Ms. Wong said the two had discussed a range of issues, including the recommencement of the bilateral annual leaders meeting.