CANBERRA, March 20 — China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi began a whirlwind visit to Australia today, his rare trip marking a thaw in relations between the two trading partners.
Wang touched down in the capital Canberra for high-level talks with counterpart Penny Wong, returning to Australia for the first time since 2017.
“Every time we meet, our mutual trust is built upon further and China-Australian relations advance,” said Wang in his brief opening remarks.
While trade was high on the agenda, Wong said she would “frankly” raise sensitive issues such as “Australians detained in China, maritime security and safety” and “human rights”.
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“Together, you and I have made progress in stabilising the relationship between our countries in the interests of our nations, our people and the peace and security in our region,” she said.
China and Australia have been…
