Free trade stays on menu with Chinese
AUSTRALIA and China’s leaders nearly got into a “beef” yesterday after chicken was on the menu at a state lunch in Canberra, but not prime Aussie cuts.
China’s Premier Li Keqiang jokingly ribbed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for not serving Australia’s famous beef at the Parliament House lunch, after media reports their trade talks this week would secure Australia a massive increase in beef exports to China.
Mr Turnbull listened with a wry grin as Mr Li outlined his surprise to find chicken on the menu, not beef, during a speech in which he pledged to stand by Australia in fighting for free trade and stability in the Asia-Pacific.
The two leaders will hold bilateral talks in Canberra tomorrow, covering trade, regional stability, tourism – and even the rise of Australian rules football and wine exports in China – in the first stop of Mr Li’s week-long tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Li and Mr Turnbull also plan to watch Port Adelaide take on Sydney in the harbour city on the weekend. The AFL will stage a match between Port and the Gold Coast in Shanghai in May.
Both leaders vowed to fight for free trade in a joint message against the new protectionist economic stance of US President Donald Trump.
“We believe that to resolve trade imbalance we need to continue to expand trade; that is the solution,” Mr Li said.
“We cannot close our doors; that is not the solution.”
He ended his speech by saying China wanted to continue to import more from Australia and offered a gentle dig.
“For the first time, we are importing chilled meat from a foreign country – but it is a pity that I haven’t got to taste your beef today,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Turnbull had welcomed the deepening ties between Australian and China, while adding a message about the importance of stability in the Asia-Pacific.
“Free trade can only thrive in a peaceful and stable environment; both our countries know this well,” Mr Turnbull said.
The leaders are expected to sign new agreements and announce the next phase of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement during the Premier’s visit. It’s the first visit by a Chinese Premier to Australia in 11 years.
The leaders will also discuss progress of the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership talks that exclude the US. Mr Turnbull may inquire about the legal issues surrounding 14 Crown Casino employees arrested and detained for five months without charge in China.