On May 21, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao co-chaired the 18th session of the China-Australia Joint Ministerial Economic Commission (JMEC) in Suzhou with Minister for Trade and Tourism of Australia Don Farrell, who was in China for the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting. Li Chenggang, China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce, attended the meeting. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on deepening bilateral economic and trade relations and strengthening cooperation in regional and multilateral issues.

Wang Wentao said that in July 2025, President Xi Jinping held an important meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, mapping out a new blueprint for advancing China-Australia relations. In April this year, Premier Li Qiang had a phone call with Prime Minister Albanese, reaching important consensus on properly managing differences and expanding practical cooperation in various fields such as trade and investment. The two sides should fully leverage the role of the JMEC mechanism in addressing each other’s concerns on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, and promoting trade and investment cooperation. Wang expressed the hope that the Australian side would continue to improve the business environment and provide Chinese enterprises with fair, just, and non-discriminatory treatment.

Wang Wentao pointed out that the global economic recovery remains sluggish amid complex and evolving geopolitical situations. Deepening cooperation and pursuing common development between China and Australia, both major countries in the Asia-Pacific region, will not only benefit the two nations but also inject momentum into regional and global stability and prosperity.

Don Farrell said that Australia attaches great importance to its economic and trade relationship with China and is ready to work with the Chinese side to advance the review of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, and deepen economic and trade cooperation in both traditional and emerging sectors. Australia welcomes China’s role as the host of APEC 2026 and is ready to maintain communication and coordination with China on regional and multilateral economic and trade issues and firmly uphold the multilateral trading system. (Released on May 23)