After eight years, the European Union and Australia reached a trade agreement

On the 24th local time, the European Union and Australia signed an eight year trade agreement that eliminated tariffs on almost all European goods and almost all key mineral exports from Australia. The Associated Press reported that this breakthrough comes at a time when the European Union and Australia are seeking to diversify their trade networks, reduce the risks posed by US tariff uncertainty, and reduce so-called "dependence on China".

According to the digital news media Espanyol, following agreements with India and the Southern Common Market, the European Union is advancing its trade diversification strategy to reduce the risk of chaotic US tariff policies. Previously, negotiations for a free trade agreement between the European Union and Australia had been ongoing for eight years. According to the report, European Commission President von der Leyen finalized the final text during his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Albanese in Canberra on the 24th. Von der Leyen said that the agreement "sends a clear signal to the world that friendship and cooperation are the most important in turbulent times".

According to the Associated Press, von der Leyen and Albanese also announced the establishment of a new defense partnership to strengthen military cooperation, and launched negotiations to promote Australia to become an associated member of the EU's research and innovation funding project "Horizon Europe".

On the 24th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to relevant inquiries by stating that China is not only willing to be the world's factory, but also willing to be the world's market. We hope that the European side will abandon zero sum thinking, avoid introducing protectionist measures, view China's development rationally and objectively, and work together with China to seize the new opportunities provided by the new blueprint of the 15th Five Year Plan, promoting trade optimization and balanced development.