China’s third-ranking official has urged Australia to respect Beijing’s claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea during meetings in Canberra.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and a close ally of CCP leader Xi Jinping, met Australia’s Governor-General Samantha Mostyn and attended a breakfast hosted by Prime Minister Albanese on Nov. 24.

He also met Senate President Sue Lines and Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick.

His visit triggered a rare security notice inside Parliament House asking MPs to switch off their electronic devices. Outside, Falun Gong practitioners protested over Zhao’s alleged role in the group’s persecution in China.

Beijing Presses Its Claims

During the official meetings, however, Beijing focused on reaffirming its territorial positions.

The CCP’s Foreign Ministry asked Australia to “understand and respect” Beijing’s position on territorial sovereignty.

“Taiwan Province, Hong Kong, Xizang, Xinjiang, the South China Sea, and other issues are related to China’s territorial sovereignty and core interests,” reads an official statement by the CCP’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It again described Taiwan as a province of the People’s Republic of China.

“There is no conflict of fundamental interests between China and Australia.”

The talks came shortly after Taiwan requested to join the AUKUS Pillar II security partnership and days after a phone call between Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Xi said “reunification” with Taiwan remained central to China’s post-war vision.

Australia’s Taiwan Stance

Australia maintains a policy of “strategic ambiguity” on Taiwan. It says it opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo, but has also refused to say whether it would join a military response if the CCP invaded Taiwan.

This approach is clearly shaped by Australia’s strong economic ties with China, which in 2024 remained its largest export market—totalling about $196 billion in exports to China.

Albanese also said the “foundation” of Australia-China relations was strong, and that he supported China’s plans to host APEC in 2026.

“Australia-China trade has grown rapidly in recent years, and exchanges in areas such as tourism, education, and culture help the younger generation experience different cultures and develop lasting friendships,” reads the statement.

“Australia is willing to maintain regular communication with China and promote the continued stable development of bilateral relations.”

Talks Cover Climate, Education and Minerals

The statement also said Zhao and the ­Governor-General  discussed cooperation on education, women’s rights, and climate change.

Zhao also set out areas where China wanted to expand cooperation, including energy and minerals, technology, the digital economy, and major infrastructure.

He said Beijing favoured “mutually beneficial development” and broader economic opening.

The Australian side did not release an official statement as their Chinese counterpart did, with the Prime Minister’s office stating that such meetings are only disclosed when they involve leader-to-leader engagements.