PM wants a 'no surprises' relationship with China

Labor has pursued a policy of "stabilisation" with China since being elected in May last year, toning down the hawkish rhetoric that defined policy under the Coalition. China has also pulled back from its "wolf warrior diplomacy" and scaled back anti-Australian attacks by Chinese state-run media and the foreign ministry. The China visit will be the first for an Australian prime minister in seven years. Setting expectations on Sunday, Mr Albanese declined to say whether he trusted China, but said Australia would co-operate with Beijing where possible, disagree where needed, and always act in its own best interests. "We disagree…