Canberra is close to an agreement with Beijing that would allow Australian suppliers to ship five trial canola cargoes to China, sources familiar with the matter said, a move towards ending a years-long freeze in the trade.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has kicked off a visit to China meant to shore up relations between the two countries

China and Australia vowed on Tuesday to enhance bilateral ties, and work together to uphold multilateralism and free trade and jointly cope with global challenges amid the transformation and turbulence in the international landscape.

Major miner BHP has said it is too costly for Australia to build a "green iron" industry after the country and China agreed this week to jointly work to decarbonise the steel supply chain, responsible for nearly a tenth of global emissions.

Australia is now less sensitive to China, but Chinese growth is likely to be enough to keep the iron ore price elevated.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been serenaded with warmth, reverence and classic Australian rock music in Beijing, but critics have warned the tune is off key.

Tensions between China and Australia have taken a $4 billion toll on the important trading partnership, but Canberra says its economy has proven “remarkably resilient” as other countries moved ...

The Deputy Prime Minister says China is not spying on Australian war drills but could not rule it out from happening in the days ahead.