PM backs Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s China trip

While critics sound alarm bells over Chinese investment, Anthony Albanese insists talking to our biggest trading partner is “probably a good idea”.

Anthony Albanese has backed Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s lengthy visit to China, saying it is a “good idea” to talk with Australia’s biggest trading partner.

Ms Allan is leading a delegation of Victorian MPs in a bid to boost Chinese investment in the Garden State.

She has made a flurry of announcements since departing on Sunday, spruiking deeper investment in Victoria’s renewable energy ambitions and efforts to bolster people-to-people links.

My China Strategy is clear:

We want Victoria to be the first port of call for Chinese business to invest and innovate – and the destination of choice for Chinese people to visit and study.

That means more jobs and stability for Victoria in an increasingly uncertain world.… pic.twitter.com/JWHumya8EH

— Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) September 16, 2025

Not everyone views the trip as positive, with China hawks cautioning that Beijing’s cash rarely comes without strings attached.

The Prime Minister, however, welcomed the engagement when asked about it on Friday, saying China was “our major trading partner”.

“Probably a good idea that we talk to our major trading partner, because it’s about Australian jobs,” he told reporters in Melbourne.

“And I’m sure the Premier is there as the Victorian Premier talking about jobs here in Victoria that are pretty important.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s China mission. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui / NewsWire

Mr Albanese himself took a similar trip in July, promoting Australia’s trade, tourism and research offerings.

His visit was also met with words of warning, with critics pointing out that his government recognised China as the greatest single strategic challenge facing Australia.

While Mr Albanese often repeated his mantra of working with Beijing “where we can” and disagreeing “where we must” during his state visit, he also made clear that he saw China as key to Australia’s economic future.

Originally published as PM backs Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s China trip