Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Chinese President, Xi Jinping at the G20 summit held in Bali, making Albanese the first Australian Prime Minister to have talks with the Chinese leader since Malcome Turnbull in 2016.
In their discussion, it was stressed that there would be no immediate change to China’s position on issues such as trade disputes.
“We have had our differences, and Australia won’t resile from our interests and values,” Mr Albanese told Mr Xi at the start of the meeting.
“I look forward to a constructive exchange and dialogue today.”
The meeting was held at the luxury Mulia Resort in Nusa Dua Bali, down the road from where G20 leaders have been holding talks all day.
“I’m very pleased that we are having this meeting here today,” Mr Albanese said.
“It comes at a time of great global uncertainty. We’re facing challenges of COVID and the recovery, dealing with climate change, and also supply-chain shocks.
“As we manage these challenges, we need to work towards a stable, prosperous and peaceful Indo-Pacific and an international system that is governed by international law and the principles that are enshrined in the United Nations charter.”