Treasurer confident of firming up ties on China trip

Jim Chalmers' visit to China aims to stabilise ties with Australia's biggest trading partner. (AP PHOTO)

The first visit by a federal treasurer to China in seven years will help to stabilise ties with Australia's largest trading partner, Jim Chalmers says.

Dr Chalmers is set to meet with major Chinese economic officials during his visit to Beijing on Thursday and Friday.

The meeting comes as diplomatic relations between the two countries have thawed and economic sanctions on several Australian goods such as wine and barley have eased.

The upcoming visit will be the first time an Australian treasurer has visited China since Scott Morrison in 2017.

Dr Chalmers said the trip would aim for a firmer relationship between the two countries.

"This is part of our effort to stabilise a really important economic relationship," he told Sky News on Sunday.

"This is a relationship full of complexity but full of opportunity as well, and we believe that you get more out of this relationship when you engage as we have been."

The treasurer will hold talks during the two-day visit with officials from China's National Development and Reform Commission.

Australia's strategic economic dialogue with China is expected to be the main focus of the discussions.

"I'll be meeting with a number of my counterparts in order to compare notes on the economy, to work through any issues that we might have between our two economies," Dr Chalmers said.

"A more stable relationship, and particularly a more stable economic relationship between Australia and China is a good thing for our workers and our businesses and our investors and for our country more broadly."

The talks in Beijing come as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held talks with world leaders in the US at the Quad leaders' summit, where talks about China's influence in the Indo-Pacific have been on the agenda.

But the treasurer said managing economic ties with China could come at the same time as other issues involving the Asian nation were discussed.

"Stabilising the relationship with China is a very key economic priority. We can do that while we manage the complexities in the region," he said.

"We've shown an ability and a willingness to engage because we believe it's good for our country when we engage."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store