Squiz Today Your Shortcut to... Australia's relationship with China
Jul 15, 2025
In a spotlight on international relations, Australia's PM Anthony Albanese navigates a complex relationship with China during a six-day diplomatic mission. The podcast delves into the fraught history, including trade sanctions following COVID-19 investigations and ongoing military tensions in the Pacific. It also highlights Australia's strategic balancing act between its ties to China and the U.S., exploring the challenges of regional influence and defense dynamics. A rich conversation on diplomacy reveals the intricate dance Australia must perform on the global stage.
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Deterioration After 2017
- Australia's relationship with China deteriorated after 2017 due to foreign interference laws and security concerns over Huawei.
- Relations worsened significantly when Australia called for an independent COVID-19 origins investigation, leading to Chinese trade sanctions.
Impact of Trade Sanctions
- Chinese trade sanctions on Australian exports caused a $20 billion loss and devastated industries like wine and lobster.
- Australian producers had to find new markets or scale back their operations due to restricted access to China.
Stabilizing Relations Strategy
- The Albanese government aims to stabilize China relations while holding firm on national security and alliance with the US.
- High-level talks resumed and some trade sanctions have been gradually lifted, signaling improving ties.