China’s new ambassador to Australia, Liu Jinsong, has formally received his credentials and begun his diplomatic duties, signaling a resumption of regular bilateral engagement following a minor procedural dispute. Liu met with Bran Black, chief executive of the Business Council of Australia (BCA), on Wednesday at the Chinese embassy in Canberra, marking one of his first official meetings since assuming his ambassadorial role.

The BCA, which counts major Australian companies such as BHP and Rio Tinto among its members, plays a significant role in fostering business relations between Australia and China. It also co-hosts the Australia-China CEO Roundtable alongside Beijing’s China Development Bank, a key forum facilitating political and economic dialogue between the two nations. Observers suggest that Liu’s meeting with Black could indicate preparations for a potential visit to Australia by Chinese Premier Li Qian later this year, although any such trip remains confidential.

Earlier tensions arose when China’s embassy website referred to Liu as “China’s ambassador” and described his ambassadorial activities prior to the formal presentation of his credentials, causing some concern within the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s protocol office. Despite this, Liu’s transition to ambassador appears to be proceeding smoothly, with a clear focus on advancing bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, the arrival of the United States ambassador-designate to Australia, David Brat, is also imminent. Brat’s appointment has faced its own hurdles, notably delays related to Australia’s stringent biosecurity measures affecting the importation of the ambassador’s family pet. Brat is expected to arrive in Sydney on Friday and commence official duties in Canberra next week. Reports indicate that one of his initial engagements will include a meeting with Bran Black, underscoring the BCA’s role as a nexus for diplomatic and commercial relations among Australia’s key partners.

These developments highlight a period of active diplomatic engagement in Canberra, with new envoys from two of Australia’s most important bilateral relationships settling into their roles amid ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and political ties.