In the aftermath of the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Sichuan province near Ya’an City on April 20, 2013, efforts to locate survivors and recover victims were ongoing as Victoria’s political leadership coordinated a response. Four days after the disaster, discussions took place within the office of then-opposition leader Daniel Andrews regarding sending a personal letter of condolence to Sichuan’s governor. Mike Yang, Andrews’ chief China adviser, communicated with the Chinese Consulate in Melbourne about the possibility of Andrews hand-delivering the letter, though it remains unclear whether this occurred.

Internal correspondence obtained from Andrews’ office reveals a proactive and strategic approach to building ties with Chinese officials well before its leader became premier in 2014. In March 2012, Andrews sought to arrange a meeting with the Chinese Consul General in Melbourne, initially suggesting an informal visit but ultimately agreeing to a dinner invitation to foster closer relations. These efforts reflect a broader pattern documented in the emails, highlighting Andrews’ persistent engagement with Chinese government representatives during his time in opposition.

This early outreach laid the groundwork for what would become a deep and at times controversial connection with Beijing. After assuming office, Andrews visited China six times, defied federal government security caution by signing Victoria onto China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and in 2022 appeared alongside Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping at a prominent diplomatic event in Beijing. The internal communications provide a rare glimpse into the genesis of this relationship, showcasing Andrews’ willingness to cultivate influential partnerships as part of a wider political and economic strategy.

A former Labor frontbencher and minister characterized these documented interactions as emblematic of Andrews’ transactional style in politics, noting his determination to maintain close ties with those perceived as beneficial, a principle applied unrestrainedly in his dealings with China. This approach aligned with demographic and electoral realities in Victoria, where official estimates from 2021 indicate that more than 420,000 residents identify as having Chinese ancestry, including around 170,000 born in China. The Chinese community’s electoral influence, especially in outer-eastern and southeastern suburbs, has played an important role in Labor’s recent successes.

Continuing the precedent set by Andrews, current Premier Jacinta Allan led a taxpayer-funded delegation to China in late 2023, inviting Labor MPs from electorates with significant Chinese populations in an apparent effort to reinforce support ahead of the state election. This move underscores the enduring significance of Victoria’s relationship with China in both economic and political terms.

The emails further show that China’s diplomatic representatives in Melbourne actively welcomed Andrews’ outreach as he consolidated influence, with a vice consul describing Andrews as having a “close relationship” with the Consul General and identifying him as “a good friend of China.” Leading up to Andrews’ first official visit to China in December 2012, communications indicate a concerted effort by both sides to establish lasting connections, including engagements with senior Chinese officials visiting Melbourne.

These insights illustrate the early stages of Daniel Andrews’ strategic engagement with Chinese authorities, demonstrating how political considerations, demographic realities, and economic opportunities converged to shape Victoria’s evolving relationship with Beijing from opposition leadership through to government power.