Visit to China for APEC Ministerial Meeting

Today I commence a five day visit to China, including Beijing and Chengdu, to advance Australia's economic and political interests in the region.

In Beijing, I will participate in the APEC Ministerial Meeting – one of the most important events on the APEC calendar. APEC plays a crucial role in the Asia Pacific, delivering trade and investment liberalisation, advancing regulatory cooperation and improving the environment for business.

APEC's 21 member economies account for 58 per cent of the world's GDP and 71 per cent of Australia's trade in goods and services.

I will meet Chinese counterparts to press for progress on Australian Government priorities in advance of President Xi Jinping's visit to Australia in mid-November, and to discuss a range of bilateral, regional and international matters.

During APEC I will meet with Foreign Ministers from APEC member economies including the newly appointed Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi, United States Secretary of State Kerry, Japanese Foreign Minister Kishida and Korean Foreign Minister Yun.

Also in Beijing, I will co-chair the next round of the Australia-China Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Change with National Development and Reform Commission Vice Chairman Xie Zhenhua. The meeting will serve as a useful opportunity to discuss our respective domestic and international approaches to climate change, and bilateral cooperation.

In Chengdu, I will officially open the newly-completed office of the Australian Consulate-General, and meet senior local leaders to advocate for Australian business interests in western China.