Barometric visit indicates pressure on ties easing

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers' upcoming China visit is a further sign that the two countries are continuing their efforts to inject vitality into bilateral ties through frequent high-level interaction. Such exchanges are instrumental in anchoring the overall bilateral ties to a stable and healthy terrain after years of tensions and estrangement.

Speaking to Australian Broadcasting Corp on Sunday, Chalmers said his visit, dubbed a "strategic economic dialogue", is scheduled for the final week of September and will include talks on the remaining trade restrictions on imports of Australian lobster as well as Australia's foreign investment rules covering sectors such as critical minerals.

This will be the first visit by an Australian treasurer in seven years, indicating the positive trend that has developed in bilateral high-level communication since the Anthony Albanese government took office. As a barometer to gauge the temperature of bilateral ties, it marks the easing of the pressure that had been building up under the previous Australian government. As long as the two sides engage with each other with mutual respect and mutual understanding, they can work together to facilitate trade and economic cooperation, which is significant and has yielded various benefits for both countries.