China, Australia eye closer bilateral trade ties in Albanese’s upcoming trip, relationship with China means jobs in Australia

 

 Reliable partnership injects stability into the world: expert

China Australia photo: VCG

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stressed the importance of Australia's ties with China during a press conference on Friday where he talked up his upcoming six-day visit to the country.

"I look forward very much to engaging with the Chinese leadership as well as visiting Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu," Albanese said, stressing that one in four Australian jobs depend on trade, with about 25 percent of Australian exports heading to China, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on Friday.

"The relationship with China means jobs in Australia. It's as simple as that," said the Australian Prime Minister.

Analysts said that Australia, as an export-oriented economy, is highly dependent on international markets, with China being a crucial destination for its exports. Maintaining stable trade relations with China is essential for the growth and development of Australia's export-driven industries. Beyond exports, Australia also has substantial import requirements from China. A more diversified and balanced trade relationship has the potential to create new opportunities and stimulate job creation in Australia.

At the invitation of Premier of the State Council Li Qiang, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will pay an official visit to China from July 12 to 18, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website on Tuesday.

This would be Albanese's second visit to China as prime minister, according to a Reuters report. His 2023 visit to Beijing as prime minister broke a seven-year diplomatic freeze, and he emphasized the need for communication with China, despite differences between the two trading partners, said the Reuters report.

"China remains Australia's largest trading partner, accounting for almost one third of our total trade, and will remain so for the foreseeable future," Albanese said. "Trade is now flowing freely, to the benefit of both countries and to people and businesses on both sides. We will continue to patiently and deliberately work towards a stable relationship with China, with dialogue at its core," he added.

Days before he heads to China, Albanese told reporters in Hobart that "China's an important trading partner for Australia, 25 percent of our exports go to China… What that means is jobs, and one of the things that my government prioritizes is jobs," Bloomberg reported. 

China has been Australia's largest trading partner, export destination and source of imports for 16 consecutive years. In order to seek to strengthen ties with China, discussions this time will focus on global and regional issues, plus bilateral cooperation on areas including trade and tourism. China accounts for nearly 26 percent of Australia's total goods and service trade, news.com.au reported on Tuesday. 

The visit carries special significance as the start of the second decade of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership. It also reflects Australia's desire to seek more reliable partners in an uncertain world order to create stability and certainty, with China being the obvious choice, said a Chinese expert.

Chen Hong, director of the Asia Pacific Studies Centre at East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Friday that Albanese's visit, which is longer than the usual two or three days, is expected to play an important role in regional stability and development, including upholding multilateralism and free trade. 

Economic and trade relations serve as a stabilizer and booster for China-Australia relations, promoting their development, Chen said, adding that the strengthening of bilateral ties further drives economic cooperation, creating a mutually reinforcing dynamic.

For example, China provides a vast and stable consumption market for Australian minerals, wine, beef, lobster and other products. Meanwhile, Chinese products such as electric vehicles and home appliances have a significant market in Australia, Chen said.

"The Business Council of Australia is organizing the trade delegation which will depart Australia on Saturday. There'll be a range of activities in Shanghai. There'll be businesses travelling from Australia, but also ones that are Australian businesses based in China. There's a very successful Chamber of Commerce…in Shanghai, and I look forward to the visit," Albanese said during a press conference on Thursday local time.

According to media reports, in Beijing, Albanese will attend the annual meeting between the Chinese and Australian Prime Ministers, the China-Australia CEO Roundtable, and will also meet with Chinese leaders. There are also reports that Albanese may attend the third China International Supply Chain Expo.

A 14-person business delegation will also accompany Albanese for the Australia-China CEO Roundtable, which will include leaders from industries representing banking, resources, tertiary education and food. 

This includes ANZ International's managing director Simon Ireland, BHP Australia president Geraldine Slattery, Fortescue Metals Group executive chairman Andrew Forrest, Rio Tinto chief executive Kellie Parker, SunRice chief executive Paul Serra and UNSW Vice-Chancellor and president Attila Brungs, according to local Australian media outlets.

The Australian Prime Minister will also visit Shanghai and Chengdu in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, where he will meet business, tourism and sport representatives and build on Australia's strong economic and trade links with China, according to a press release on the official website of the Australian prime minister on Tuesday local time.

Chen noted that Albanese's itinerary clearly indicates Australia's intention to deepen economic and trade cooperation with China, which brings renewed optimism for the future of China-Australia relations. Unlike his previous four-day visit, this trip spans a full week, highlighting its importance. The choice of destinations is also significant: Beijing for high-level dialogue, Shanghai for economic and trade exchanges, and the newly added city Chengdu, which reflects a deeper and more pragmatic cooperation between the two countries. 

Chengdu, known for its innovation in technology, services, and entertainment industries, will offer new opportunities for collaboration, Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Friday.

Beyond traditional areas of cooperation such as agriculture and mining, China-Australia collaboration is set to explore new frontiers. According to Zhou, the potential for cooperation in clean energy, green steel, finance, elderly care, and high-tech industries is vast. Tourism, steadily recovering since the pandemic, is another key area of cooperation that contributes to economic growth and people-to-people ties, he added.

At present, China has expanded visa-free entry to more than 70 countries. Citizens from these countries can now enter China for stays of up to 30 days without a visa. This list included Australian citizens, who since November were exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 30 days, an extension of 15 days since it was first granted in July 2024. China has also long been a major source of international students and overseas tourists for Australia.

However, ahead of the anticipated visit, some voices in Australia are still attempting to magnify differences. Chen said these controversial voices do not represent the mainstream direction of bilateral economic and trade cooperation. It is normal for the two to have disputes, but the key lies in how to properly resolve them.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing on Tuesday that the visit comes as the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership enters its second decade. "Under the guidance of the leaders of the two countries and with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Australia relations have continued to improve," Mao said.

"China is willing to work with Australia to take this visit as an opportunity to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries," Mao added.

Source link https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1338132.shtml

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Malaysia to learn from China in applying technology in daily life in ways that benefit wide public: minister

 

Chang Lih Kang, minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia, speaks at the a parallel sub-forum at Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing on July 11, 2025. Photo: Li Hao/GT

China has done a great job in applying technology in daily life in ways that benefit all walks of life, and that's something Malaysia hopes to learn, Chang Lih Kang, Malaysia's minister of Science, Technology and Innovation told the Global Times, noting that the two countries have broadened technological cooperation in AI, nuclear energy and digital economy. 

Recently, China and Malaysia have signed several MoUs and documents on technological cooperation during the high-level exchange between the two countries, Chang, who is attending the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, told the Global Times on Friday. He gave examples, such as the two governments jointly allocating funds for six research and development projects, including artificial intelligence, advanced materials, clean energy, and more. 

"In addition, we have joint laboratories, including those under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)," said Chang, noting that many of the projects outlined in the documents and MoUs have already been implemented or are still in progress.

The inaugural meeting of the China-Malaysia joint laboratory on oils and fats processing and safety, under the BRI, was held in June. This first-of-its-kind laboratory between China and Malaysia within the BRI framework is expected to bolster the palm oil trade and enhance broader industrial cooperation between the two countries, media reported. 

According to the joint statement between China and Malaysia on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future signed in April, both sides will fully utilize the intergovernmental Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation, implement the China-Malaysia Joint Research Project and Science and Technology People-to-People Exchange Programme, jointly promote the establishment of joint research and development platforms such as joint laboratories, enhance cooperation on science parks and technology transfer, and continue to deepen the bilateral science and innovation cooperation in emerging technologies.

Chang said the scientific cooperation between the two countries also includes exchanges among scientists, academic institutions, and students, covering a wide range of areas, such as AI, nuclear energy, clean energy, and the digital economy.

The minister praised China for its success in applying technology to everyday life in ways that benefit different segments of the population. He believes this is a way of using technology to add warmth to civilization. If science does not help ordinary people, no matter how advanced the technology is, it is useless. "This is what we hope to learn from China," said Chang. 

Transnational collaboration is crucial in the scientific community. No single country can independently address the global challenges we face, such as climate change and food security. "In addition to bilateral cooperation with China, we also advocate for multilateral partnerships. Only by engaging more regions and countries in collaborative efforts can we truly tackle the pressing issues confronting the world," said Chang.

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China, ASEAN vow co-op amid global challenges

 

Partnership a crucial pillar for regional, world devt, stability: expert

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi joins hands with ASEAN foreign ministers for a group photo during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with China at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 10, 2025. Photo: VCG

China and ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed their wish for further cooperation and joint efforts to maintain regional peace and stability on Thursday during the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Analysts believe that China-ASEAN cooperation has now become a crucial pillar for regional as well as global development and stability, especially amid the US' sweeping and coercive series of tariffs. 

China has always been the most reliable stabilizing force in a turbulent world and the most dependable partner for ASEAN members to address challenges, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday at the meeting in the Malaysian capital. 

Noting that China and ASEAN share similar development concepts, common demands and integrated interests, Wang said that China regards ASEAN as a priority direction for neighborhood diplomacy and a pioneer area for promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Wang also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, briefed the achievements of China-ASEAN cooperation and put forward four proposals.

Wang said that China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to practice open regionalism and true multilateralism and make greater contributions to regional and global governance.

In terms of win-win cooperation, Wang said that China is willing to work with ASEAN to build China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to a high quality, and create a high-level free trade network.

While stating that China is willing to take the lead in signing the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, Wang stressed that the South China Sea is the common home of regional countries, rather than a "gladiatorial arena" for major powers. 

China is willing to expand cooperation with ASEAN members in areas such as marine environmental protection, navigation safety, maritime law enforcement and key marine infrastructure, fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and advance consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, Wang said. 

China is willing to continue to advocate dialogue, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations with ASEAN countries, Wang said.

The participating countries said that China has always been one of the most important dialogue partners of ASEAN, and they are willing to accelerate the alignment of development strategies with China, and cooperate under the Belt and Road Initiative at a high quality, according to the release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. 

They also said that they are willing to work with China to safeguard multilateralism and the multilateral trading system and jointly address global challenges, further strengthen unity and cooperation with China, jointly advance the modernization process in Asia, and promote regional peace, stability and prosperity.

"The China-ASEAN relationship is now a vital pillar for regional as well as global development and stability," Luo Yongkun, a researcher at the Institute of International Studies of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

Against the backdrop of tense major power relations and the impact of the US tariff war on regional development, the numerous consensuses reached between China and ASEAN on cooperative development and maintaining regional peace and stability align with the aspirations of all parties, marking a significant outcome of this foreign ministers' meeting, Luo noted. 

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, participants said they appreciate China's willingness to take the lead in signing the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, and look forward to the early conclusion of the COC in the South China Sea by all parties. 

Ge Hongliang, Vice Dean of the ASEAN College at Guangxi Minzu University, told the Global Times that China and ASEAN have a shared vision for implementing denuclearization and the peaceful use of nuclear resources in Southeast Asia.

According to the expert, China's willingness to take the lead in signing [Protocol to the Treaty on SEAWFZ] demonstrates Beijing's support for ASEAN-led regional governance frameworks, which is of great significance to maintaining regional security order, particularly nuclear safety.

In addition, the positive stance of ASEAN countries on the South China Sea issue is conductive to establishing a platform for dialogue and communication between China and Southeast Asian nations on South China Sea matters, enhancing mutual trust, Ge added. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met counterparts in Southeast Asia on Thursday during his first visit to the region since taking office, according to Reuters. 

It comes as the US government rolls out higher tariffs against Southeast Asian nations. Washington has announced plans for tariffs on Malaysia and five other ASEAN countries, with Malaysia facing a 25 percent tariff, Laos and Myanmar 40 percent, Cambodia and Thailand 36 per cent, and Indonesia 32 percent, starting from August 1, the Straits Times reported. 

Addressing the opening of the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan hailed the enhanced China-ASEAN economic cooperation, saying that the signing of the ACFTA 3.0, which is scheduled for later this year, comes at an opportune moment, according to Malaysian national news agency Bernama.

China and ASEAN remain dedicated to deepening ties and advancing regional cooperation, actively promoting the development of industrial chains that enhance regional stability, and bolstering the resilience of regional trade and investment, so as to counter the trade coercion and unilateralism from Washington, said the expert. 

In 2024, China and ASEAN had already been each other's largest trading partner for the fifth consecutive year, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Official data shows that the zero-tariff coverage rate between China and ASEAN has remained at above 65 percent. In 2024, bilateral trade in goods reached $982.34 billion, a year-on-year growth of 7.8 percent.

"Southeast Asian countries have many grievances against the US, perceiving its tariffs as a means of geopolitical coercion," Luo said, "While China's consistent and robust economic growth provides regional countries with confidence and stability."- Global Times

Govt urged to intervene as new US tariff brings jitters for businesses

 

Trying times: The tariff would significantly impact manufactures like those in Bayan Lepas, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

JOHOR BARU: The 25% tariff imposed by the United States on Malaysia has sent jitters through the manufacturing sector, with many warning of cancelled orders and a potential wave of business closures.

The furniture industry, for one, fears losing business to Vietnam, which faces a 20% tariff, while some other industries are even thinking of relocating.

Malaysian Furniture Council president Desmond Tan said Vietnam, Malaysia’s closest competitor in the global furniture market, produced a similar range of products and targets the same export destinations – especially the United States.

The tariff for Vietnam was reduced to 20% from the original 46%.

“Since the announcement was only made yesterday (Tuesday), it is still too early to gauge the full extent of its impact on order volumes but the council will continue to monitor developments closely,” he said.

Tan said the industry was also being squeezed by rising costs on the domestic front.

“These include the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST), which now imposes a 5% tax on raw materials and directly drives up production costs. We also face higher labour expenses with the new minimum wage,” he added.

The new Employees Provident Fund contributions for foreign workers would add further strain while fuel and electricity prices had also gone up, he said.

The council is now urging Putrajaya to commence urgent talks with the United States to negotiate a reduction of the tariff.

He also appealed for a rethink on the new taxes and price hikes to lower production costs, and for export incentives to protect jobs.

The United States accounts for 60% of the country’s total furniture exports, totalling RM2.039bil in just the first four months of the year.

Malaysia also exports furniture to Singapore, Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom, among others.

Muar Furniture Association president Steve Ong said the new tariff was a major blow, as Muar supplied more than RM4bil worth of furniture to the United States in 2024.

It made up 67% of Malaysia’s total furniture exports there, he said.

“The 25% tariff will likely lead to clients cancelling orders and local manufacturers scrambling to stay afloat. This is an urgent crisis,” Ong said.

Another industry player urged the government to act swiftly.

“If nothing is done, a globally competitive industry like ours could shrink or even collapse,” said Goh Song Huang.

“At a time like this, we need clear, steady policies and a government that understands and responds to the real pressures we face.”

In Penang, local industries are bracing for reduced demand with some considering relocation.

“Companies in Malaysia may be forced to shift parts of their production to countries with lower tariffs,” said Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, adding that higher prices driven by import tariffs tend to suppress global demand.

“When the cost of imported goods rises, demand naturally falls. In the end, everyone along the supply chain, especially buyers of raw materials, will be affected,” he said.

Earlier, it was reported that semiconductor exports would be exempt from the tariffs but it is unclear whether exemptions will remain under the new tariff regime.

“Vietnam’s tariff is at 20%, which gives them a pricing advantage. US buyers may look for cheaper alternatives, putting Malaysian exporters at a disadvantage,” he said.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) Penang chapter chairman Datuk Seri Lee Teong Li said the 25% tariff would significantly impact exporters to the US.

“It’s a substantial amount. For local manufacturers shipping to the US, it will reduce profit margins. Costs will rise, and customers may start sourcing from other suppliers.

“Even when the 24% tariff was announced in April, it was already a heavy blow. We had hoped for a reduction, not an increase,” he said.

He noted that for now, the strategy was to ship out as much as possible before the Aug 1 deadline.

Meanwhile, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) is urging the government to temporarily lower the expanded SST to 4% to ease the financial burden on businesses and preserve Malaysia’s competitive edge.

Its president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng said the government should reduce the expanded SST rate from the current 6%-8% for the first two years of implementation.

He said businesses, already grappling with higher operational costs driven by multiple government-imposed measures, would now have to face the the tariff headwinds and global uncertainties as well.

Source link

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/10/govt-urged-to-intervene-as-new-us-tariff-brings-jitters-for-businesses

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UNHRC adopts China-initiated human rights resolution by consensus without a vote for first time

 

A picture taken on January 23, 2024 shows the United Nations Human Rights Council during the review of China’s human rights at the UN Offices in Geneva. Photo: VCG

As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary in 2025, the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday adopted by consensus a resolution titled "The contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights," co-sponsored by China and 40-plus other countries. This is the first time since the resolution in 2017 that it has been adopted by consensus without a vote, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday. 

Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said the resolution reaffirms the vital role of development in ensuring the enjoyment of all human rights, highlights the importance of people-centered, high-quality development in meeting the growing aspirations for a better life and in advancing the full realization of human rights.

Chen expressed hope that the resolution would foster greater consensus and encourage all countries to work with China in prioritizing the future of humanity and the well-being of all nations, revitalizing genuine multilateralism, pursuing high-quality development, and promoting and safeguarding all human rights. 

The resolution reflects the shared aspirations of many developing countries. It was jointly sponsored by 40-plus nations, including Cameroon and Pakistan. Representatives from countries such as Cuba, Bolivia, Ethiopia, and Kenya voiced strong support, noting that the resolution will help raise global awareness of the role of development in promoting human rights and further the cause of human rights protection through sustainable development.

Following its adoption, many countries, including Russia, Brazil, Chile, and the European Union, extended congratulations to China. They recognized China's leadership in advancing the agenda of development-driven human rights at the UNHRC and commended its constructive engagement in crafting a more balanced and impactful resolution text, which has garnered wide recognition and broad international support.
Global Times

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A picture taken on January 23, 2024 shows the United Nations Human Rights Council during the review of China’s human rights at the UN Offices in Geneva. Photo: VCG

As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary in 2025, the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday adopted by consensus a resolution titled "The contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights," co-sponsored by China and 40-plus other countries. This is the first time since the resolution in 2017 that it has been adopted by consensus without a vote, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday. 

Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said the resolution reaffirms the vital role of development in ensuring the enjoyment of all human rights, highlights the importance of people-centered, high-quality development in meeting the growing aspirations for a better life and in advancing the full realization of human rights.

Chen expressed hope that the resolution would foster greater consensus and encourage all countries to work with China in prioritizing the future of humanity and the well-being of all nations, revitalizing genuine multilateralism, pursuing high-quality development, and promoting and safeguarding all human rights. 

The resolution reflects the shared aspirations of many developing countries. It was jointly sponsored by 40-plus nations, including Cameroon and Pakistan. Representatives from countries such as Cuba, Bolivia, Ethiopia, and Kenya voiced strong support, noting that the resolution will help raise global awareness of the role of development in promoting human rights and further the cause of human rights protection through sustainable development.

Following its adoption, many countries, including Russia, Brazil, Chile, and the European Union, extended congratulations to China. They recognized China's leadership in advancing the agenda of development-driven human rights at the UNHRC and commended its constructive engagement in crafting a more balanced and impactful resolution text, which has garnered wide recognition and broad international support.
Global Times

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Sleep tips for people requiring care

 
If the dependent person you are caring for is not sleeping well, try out these ideas to help them.

MANY people dependent on permanent care have trouble sleeping, be it due to pain, sleep apnoea (frequent interruption of breathing during sleep), a repeated urge to urinate or something else.

As a result, they’re often dead tired the next day.

Among other things, this can increase their risk of falling, warns the Berlin-based Centre for Quality in Care (ZQP), a German non-profit foundation dedicated to improving longterm care of older care recipients.

If a care recipient suffers from chronic sleep deprivation, a doctor should be consulted.

Eliminating or alleviating the cause can help them to fall asleep more easily and sleep through the night.

There are also things that caregiving relatives can do.

Here are three:

1. Establish bedtime routines

A bedtime routine signals to the body that the day is over and it’s time to wind down and rest.

There are many different possibilities.

For some people it helps to read a few pages of a book.

Others prefer listening to relaxing music.

Since having cold feet is hardly conducive to sleeping well, taking a warm footbath before going to bed could be beneficial.

Or you could put on a pair of thick, warm socks before going to bed.

Part of the routine could be drinking a cup of calming tea, such as lemon balm, lavender, passionflower or hop, suggests the ZQP.

Better it be a smallish cup though, as drinking a large mug can result in an inconvenient need to urinate in the middle of the night.

2. Create a pleasant sleep environment

A noisy nearby street or bright TV standby light can interfere with sleep.

So care recipients and their caregivers should consider ways to improve the sleep environment.

Even minor adjustments can make a big difference, e.g. wearing earplugs to block out noise or a sleep mask to block out light.

It’s also important to ventilate the room in the evening to remove stale air.

A pleasant sleep environment also includes things that caregiving relatives might not think of right away.

If the care recipient suffers from urinary incontinence, for instance, a super-absorbent bed protector pad can provide more comfort.

3. Promote a normal day-night rhythm

The circadian rhythm, or “internal clock”, of dementia patients can become disrupted, causing them to feel sleepy during the day and restless at night.

This increases the risk of sleep problems, of course.

What’s more, it’s not uncommon that they want to eat at night.

The ZQP advises that caregivers meet these special needs as much as possible, but emphasises the importance of promoting a normal sleep-wake cycle by increasing morning light exposure and decreasing evening light exposure.

Light morning exercises in bed can help patients become alert, and their pyjamas shouldn’t be laid out until evening.

Complete darkness can unsettle dementia patients, however, the ZQP points out, so the room they sleep in shouldn’t be fully darkened.

A nightlight can help, as well as provide orientation in the dark. – dpa