The prime minister of Australia, a longtime US security partner in Asia, sought to focus his trip to China this week on business and trade opportunities, sidestepping thornier issues around US-China competition such as Taiwan or Beijing’s military expansion.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to meet Chinese leaders in Beijing, focusing on trade, energy transition, and security issues. This visit aims to enhance bilateral relationships amid existing tensions.

Australia's exports to China, its largest trading partner, span agriculture and energy but are dominated by iron ore, and Albanese will travel with executives from mining giants Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue and hold business events in three cities over six days.