//Lead//

Australian PM Anthony Albanese's China trip
seals massive $120 billion project,
declared "extremely successful"!
Official banquet menu exposed -
featuring Cantonese delicacies!

#01: The $120 Billion Breakthrough Deal

On the second day of his China visit, PM Albanese held landmark talks focusing on iron ore trade and emissions reduction cooperation, calling the negotiations "extremely successful".

Key Figures:

China remains Australia's largest trading partner

2024 iron ore imports from Australia hit $120B AUD (UN data)

Accounts for 61% of China's total iron ore imports (ASPI Nov 2023)

The Challenge:
China's steel industry decarbonization goals conflict with Australia's energy-intensive iron ore refining process.

Historic Meeting:
Albanese brought CEOs from BHP, Rio Tinto, Hancock Prospecting & Fortescue for unprecedented talks with Chinese steel industry leaders.

"This marks the first time Australian iron ore leaders joined their PM in China to meet Chinese steel executives. These discussions will resonate at the highest levels." — Albanese

The PM confirmed the emissions talks were "a significant step forward" for both nations' economies.

#02: What Did the PM Eat in China?

When diplomacy meets gastronomy!

1. Australia-China Business Luncheon (Peace Hotel Shanghai)

Menu Highlights:

Entrée: Australian rock lobster salad with lemon balm, ice plant & apple-dill vinaigrette

Main: Australian Wagyu duo (slow-roasted tenderloin + braised short rib) with potato mille-feuille & bone marrow sauce

Dessert: Australian cream cheese cake with macadamia caramel & mandarin sorbet

Wine Pairings:

Moonstone Terroir Viognier 2021

Penfolds CWT521 Cabernet-Marselan 2022 & Bin 407 Cabernet 2022

Symbolic Venue:
The Peace Hotel holds Labor Party significance—Gough Whitlam celebrated his 55th birthday here in 1971 before becoming PM. Albanese noted: "Our mature relationship helps overcome challenges and seize opportunities."

2. Michelin-Starred Cantonese Feast (Huangpu Hui No.3)

1-Michelin-star restaurant (¥500+/person) with Bund & Oriental Pearl Tower views

Signature Dishes:

Stir-fried fish maw with silver sprouts & osmanthus

Lobster in black bean sauce

Copper-pot salt-baked flame chicken

Abalone puff pastry

Special Touch:

Intangible cultural heritage sugar art display

Custom kangaroo & dragon sugar figurines symbolizing bilateral ties

Why This Matters

✅ Economic Win: $120B iron ore trade secured amid green transition challenges
✅ Culinary Diplomacy: Menus blend Australian premium produce with Chinese culinary artistry
✅ Historical Echoes: Continues Whitlam-era engagement legacy