SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is embarking on a significant journey to New Zealand, marking his first official visit to the neighbouring nation.
The visit, set to take place today, will focus on key issues such as trade, security, and China’s growing ambitions in the Pacific region.
As Australia and New Zealand commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations, they continue to display a strong bond despite being separated by the Tasman Sea. Over the years, both countries have developed deep-rooted cultural, social, and economic ties, fostering a unique and special relationship.
Prime Minister Albanese is determined to further strengthen this special relationship during his visit. His counterpart, Chris Hipkins, shares the sentiment, believing that bilateral ties between the two nations are currently at their strongest point in decades.
However, there have been occasional points of friction, most notably over the deportation of New Zealanders convicted of serious crimes by the Australian government. Wellington expressed concerns about the deportees’ tenuous ties to New Zealand. Nevertheless, there are indications that this policy is being softened, indicating a willingness to address these concerns constructively.
On another note, trade will be a significant aspect of the discussions between the two leaders as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Closer Economic Relations Free Trade Agreement. Additionally, in 2009, both countries signed a Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional grouping comprising 10 countries. These agreements reflect the commitment of Australia and New Zealand to foster economic cooperation and growth in the region.
A pivotal topic expected to be on the agenda is China’s increasing diplomatic, trade, and military interests in the Pacific region. In recent times, Beijing struck a policing agreement with the Solomon Islands, an archipelago located northeast of Australia. While China has faced challenges in persuading other island nations to join a broader regional accord, analysts, including Professor John Blaxland from the Australian National University, warn that China is playing a long-term game and is likely to continue pursuing its ambitions in the Pacific. This development could have implications for Australia, New Zealand, and their other partners like the United States.
Over the past few years, tensions between Australia and China have escalated due to various political disputes, such as disagreements over democracy in Hong Kong, freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, and Taiwan-related issues. The trade sanctions imposed by China on a range of Australian commodities have further strained the relationship. Nonetheless, Australia’s left-leaning government, which took office in May 2022, has been making efforts to ease these tensions. High-profile ministerial meetings have played a role in mitigating some of the tensions.
China is a crucial trading partner for Australia, but the country’s strong military alliance with the United States has caused some friction with Beijing. Balancing economic interests and security alliances presents a delicate challenge for Australia’s foreign policy.
