China‑Australia 2026: Experts Say Stable but Fragile Tie

In 2026, China‑Australia ties will stay stable yet remain tense, experts say. After Labor returned to power in 2022, the relationship eased but complexity persisted. 2025 saw a Chinese naval flotilla conduct live‑fire drills in the Tasman Sea and circumnavigate Australia, sparking debates over maritime security. On 15 July 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Beijing, meeting Xi Jinping and agreeing on cooperation in health, green energy and the digital economy. In November, Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress, visited Canberra, the first top‑level visit since the pandemic. Meanwhile, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers pursued divestment of Chinese mining interests amid declining iron ore demand. These events highlight persistent strategic frictions and the need for continued dialogue.