China’s Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia this weekend marks a significant step in improving trade relations between the two nations, which have been strained by strategic rivalry in the Pacific. Despite ongoing tensions, Beijing has lifted most of the trade barriers it had imposed on Australian exports. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized Australia’s desire for a stable relationship with China, based on dialogue and cooperation. However, Australia continues to raise concerns about remaining restrictions on some exports, while maintaining its defense alliance with the United States in response to China’s growing influence in the Pacific region.