Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives in Australia as panda speculation mounts

News Snapshot:

A chance for the prime minister to lower the temperature in the relationship with top Chinese officials on a four-day visit will not come at the expense of Australia’s values and interests, the treasurer says. Li Qiang, who is second only to President Xi Jinping in the Beijing pecking order, arrived in Adelaide on Saturday evening as he undertakes the first trip to Australia by a Chinese premier in seven years. He is expected to engage in panda diplomacy with Anthony Albanese by extending the loan of Wang Wang and Fu Ni, described by the city’s zoo as Australia’s “only...