Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi to be hosted by Penny Wong on Australia trip

China’s foreign minister will visit Australia and meet with counterpart Penny Wong as Beijing nears the removal of punitive tariffs on Australian wine.

Wang Yi will arrive in Canberra on Wednesday, when the two ministers will meet for ministerial dialogue, with the case of detained Australian Yang Hengjun set to be front and centre.

It will be the first time the two foreign ministers come face to face after a Chinese court sentenced the writer to a two-year suspended death sentence, after which he faces the prospect of life in prison.

Dr Yang was found guilty of espionage charges in China in February after spending five years behind bars.

The remaining trade barriers against Australian products, conflict prevention and regional security are also on the agenda.

China has recommended tariffs against wine be dropped in an interim finding from its review of the measure.

The five-month review was triggered after Australia suspended its World Trade Organisation case against Beijing.

The final decision is expected by March 31 but China’s Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian says the review is moving in the right direction.

Dialogue was central to a constructive relationship with China and supporting regional peace, Senator Wong said.

“Australia’s approach is consistent; we seek to co-operate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in our national interest,” she said.

“It’s Australia’s view that a stable bilateral relationship would enable both countries to pursue respective national interests if we navigate our differences wisely.”

Sanctions worth $2 billion remain on wine, rock lobster and some abattoirs.

Beijing imposed $20 billion in sanctions on Australian products, during heightened tensions in 2020.

Senator Wong travelled to China in late 2022 ahead of a second trip with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a year later.

Leaders agreed to stage more dialogue.