Enter the panda: China ramps up the soft power

Li’s visit is the first to Australia by a senior Chinese leader in seven years. On the surface there will be emphasis on cooperation and mutual respect, but underneath tensions and suspicions remain.

Andrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondent

Jun 14, 2024 – 3.46pm

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As Canberrans woke to yet another chilly morning on Friday, no stone was being left unturned for Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit.

Outside the Chinese embassy, gardeners armed with leaf blowers and rakes were scooping up leaves to ensure the front lawn looked immaculate.

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Andrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondentAndrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery.