Since 2017, Australia has played David to China’s Goliath: rejecting Chinese pressure to adopt Huawei technology, calling out Chinese political interference, and demanding an inquiry into Covid-19’s origins, even as Beijing blocked Australian imports ranging from coal to wine. Now, with Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, landing in Beijing on Saturday for a three-day visit and a meeting with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, reconciliation is advancing — but with limits. Mr. Albanese’s trip represents a small step back to economic and diplomatic stability after a long march into distrust. China’s coercive tariffs are disappearing. “It won’t be easily erased because what came with it was a whole other set of assumptions and fears.”

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Persons: David, China’s Goliath, Anthony Albanese, Xi Jinping, ”, James Curran Organizations: Huawei, University of Sydney Locations: Australia, Covid, Beijing