A Chinese premier is visiting Australia for the first time in seven years – so just who is Premier Li Qiang? What will he be doing in Adelaide?
For the first time in seven years, a Chinese premier is visiting Australia – and Adelaide is on the itinerary. So who is Premier Li Qiang?
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For the first time in seven years, a Chinese premier is visiting Australia – and Adelaide is on the itinerary. So who is Premier Li Qiang? And why is his trip so significant?
Who is Li Qiang?
Li Qiang, 64, has been the premier of China since March 2023.
In China, the premier is the head of the government and the second-ranking person in the political system – behind only the president.
Premier Li developed a close relationship with President Xi Jinping two decades ago, when they both held party positions in the same province.
He has been praised for his loyalty to President Xi and is considered to be pro-business in his approach to politics.
However, he became unpopular for a period during Covid, when he was the top leader in Shanghai and imposed a two-month lockdown on the city.
Premier Li’s trip will mark the first Australian tour by a Chinese premier since 2017.
What sort of security will be around this weekend’s visit?
The obligation to provide security for visits like Premier Li’s rests with Australia, and local authorities are well-equipped and experienced in handling such diplomatic visits.
As is the case with any high-ranking overseas politician – or member of the Royal Family – security around the visit will be tight.
Federal and state police will be prepared for both “pro” and “anti” demonstrations to take place across the country.
They are also working with Chinese officials to ensure smooth security arrangements.
What will Premier Li do on his visit to Adelaide?
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong will welcome Premier Li to Adelaide on Saturday before he visits Adelaide zoo on Sunday.
He will also join Senator Wong, Trade Minister Don Farrell, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt, Premier Peter Malinauskas and Governor Frances Adamson on a visit to Penfolds wines for a wine industry showcase.
There, a wine tasting will be hosted by Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago.
The menu for the event has not been released but is likely to include the finest Australian produce.
Premier Li will visit Canberra following his departure from Adelaide.
What has been the response of the local Chinese community?
Kam Chiu, executive officer of Chinese Welfare Services of SA, said there was a sense of excitement within the local Chinese community ahead of Premier Li’s visit.
He said a focus of the visit would be the lifted trade restrictions, and associated benefits for both countries.
“It’s a good time for China and Australia to make communication,” he said.
“It will be an occasion to show that the relationship between Australia and China is getting better.”
Mr Kam added that the extension of the giant panda loan was a further sign of the friendship between the two countries.
He said Premier Li was very well-known among the Chinese community, and his visit was a significant occasion.
Given the time frame, they will not have the opportunity to meet with him – but would still mark the occasion.
“Some of the Chinese organisations and commerce groups, they are all getting together to welcome the premier to come,” Mr Kam said.
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