- Green Mining Push: BHP teams up with CATL, BYD on mining battery tech.
- Trade & Tourism: Australia, China eye stronger trade and tourism ties.
- Strategic Dialogue: Visit deepens economic ties amid global instability.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's formal visit to China has created fresh momentum in bilateral cooperation, particularly in green energy, sustainable manufacturing and tourism. Perhaps one of the chief highlights came from BHP Group, who has announced partnerships with China's leading battery manufacturers CATL and BYD to further electrification in mining.
BHP initiated memorandum of understandings (MoU) with CATL and Fin Dreams Battery (BYD subsidiary) to partner on battery development associated with mining vehicles, electric vehicle rapid charging infrastructure, energy storage, and battery recycling. The partnerships highlight a commitment to advance the decarbonisation of mining operations and to align with global climate goals.
Albanese is visiting China for the second time and the first time after being re-elected. Accompanying him will be executives from BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, and Hancock Prospecting. He has highlighted how green steelmaking using Australia's high-quality iron ore with China's production capacities can help fulfil the aims of the Paris Agreement while also enhancing Australia-China trade.
Rio Tinto's Australia CEO Kellie Parker has echoed that they are closely working with Chinese steelmakers to speed up the transition to low-carbon steel, noting that it is an important opportunity for both supplier and customer nations to develop cooperation.
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With plans to hit peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, China is already a leader in clean energy worldwide. While China has advanced capabilities in new energy and Australia has plentiful lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, there is a great opportunity for both countries to work closer in green technology.
Get a load of groans about how this deepening interdependence may help to elevate each country’s energy transition objectives, especially as geopolitical tensions take their toll on global supply chains. Increased cooperation between Australia and China can not only act as a counterweight, but provide extra resilience to both economies.
In addition to energy and mining, tourism and people-to-people exchange were also very much in focus. Albanese went to Trip.com’s HQ in Shanghai, where Tourism Australia signed an MoU. He also did a morning work-out at the Bund with Shanghai Port FC and received a commemorative jersey as a gift.
China is now Australia's largest trading partner, for the 16th consecutive year. Bilateral trade exceeded $210 billion in 2024, and both countries are keen to develop collaboration through areas beyond commodities, such as technology, sustainability and cultural diplomacy.