Chinese Premier's Visit to Perth: Focus on Clean Energy and Business Relations
Key Ideas
- Chinese Premier Li Qiang concluded his Australian tour in Perth, emphasizing China's interest in investing in critical minerals and clean energy technologies.
- During the visit, focus was placed on Fortescue's clean energy research, particularly on producing iron ore without carbon emissions and exploring 'green iron'.
- The visit also highlighted China's investments in lithium processing for electric vehicles and Australia's concerns over China's dominance in critical minerals supply chains.
- The business dialogue between Chinese and Australian leaders, alongside meetings with resource companies, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and promoting trade partnerships.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang wrapped up his tour of Australia with a visit to Perth, focusing on China's investments in critical minerals, clean energy, and business relations. Perth, known for its significant iron ore exports, hosted Li's inspection of Fortescue's clean energy research facility. The visit showcased Fortescue's advancements in producing iron ore without carbon emissions and their exploration of 'green iron'. The premier also visited Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia's plant, underlining China's interest in investing in critical minerals like lithium for electric vehicles. Australian concerns over China's dominance in critical minerals and supply chain control were evident, with recent orders for Chinese-linked companies to divest from rare earth mining. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations, with a focus on business dialogue involving key resource companies like BHP and Rio Tinto. Despite past strains in relations, the meeting marked a positive step in enhancing trade partnerships and fostering mutual interests in the clean energy sector.