Daniel Andrews meets Chinese officials to launch controversial trip

Daniel Andrews has met with Australian and Victorian government representatives in China, the Chinese Education Minister and the Mayor of Beijing.

Chinese media outlets have promoted Daniel Andrews’ trip to the country. Picture: David Crosling

Premier Daniel Andrews has met with Australian and Victorian government representatives in China, the Chinese Education Minister and the Mayor of Beijing.

In a brief announcement released on Tuesday on the first day of a four-day trip to China, the Premier’s office said the small Victorian delegation also met with Li Xukui, the vice-president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

On the eve of Mr Andrews’ arrival, a Chinese media outlet promoted the official visit in a report that used an earlier video interview with the Premier which is believed to have been filmed as early as 2017.

In that earlier interview, broadcast by Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV, Mr Andrews said “you cannot imagine a modern Victoria without a Chinese influence”.

“Good friends can disagree, true friends do not disrespect though. And that’s always the approach that I’ve taken,” Mr Andrews said in the interview.

“We think the relationship and partnership with China is very important to Victoria, very important to Australia as well.”

China’s state media, the Global Times, also reported on his trip, under the headline “For the Chinese students, he’s visiting China for the 7th time.”

Daniel Andrews in Chengdu on a trip in 2016. Picture: Instagram