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Chinese Premier Li Qiang Concludes Asia-Pacific Tour with Mixed Outcomes

Li's visits to New Zealand, Australia, and Malaysia highlight strengthened trade ties but also underscore ongoing diplomatic challenges.

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits Western Australia’s only operating lithium hydroxide plant in Kwinana on June 18 in Perth, Australia. Li’s visit to Australia was the first by a Chinese premier since bilateral relations soured in 2017. Photo: Getty Images
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Overview

  • New trade agreements were signed with New Zealand and Malaysia during the tour.
  • Australia and China resumed normal relations, but an incident involving a journalist marred the visit.
  • Malaysia emphasized its strategic partnership with China, calling it a 'true friend.'
  • Concerns about China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region were raised, including New Zealand's potential participation in the AUKUS alliance.
  • Li's tour marked the first visit by a Chinese premier to these countries in several years.