- Premier Roger Cook travels to Beijing today where he will meet with key Government and industry stakeholders
- Part of Cook Labor Government’s efforts to diversify the economy and create quality jobs for Western Australians
- China is Western Australia’s largest trading partner with total goods exports worth $135 billion in 2025
Premier Roger Cook will travel to Beijing today to advance the State’s bilateral relationship with China, as part of efforts to diversify the Western Australian economy and ensure it remains the strongest in the nation.
During the mission, the Premier will meet with stakeholders to discuss establishing a direct flight route between Perth and Beijing.
China was Western Australia’s fourth largest market for international visitors in 2025, with 70,340 visits. Visitors spent a total of $503 million in Western Australia a 66 per cent increase on 2024.
A direct flight to Beijing would build on existing aviation connections between China and Western Australia, with nonstop flights between Perth and Guangzhou, which will run daily from December 1.
While in Beijing, the Premier will also conduct a site tour with China International Trust Investment Corporation (CITIC) Group to explore future opportunities in green steelmaking feedstock and decarbonisation.
An updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the Cook Labor Government and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), providing for deepened engagement in areas of mutual benefit.
The Premier will also officially launch the State of Energy campaign in the Chinese market, which promotes Western Australia as an internationally competitive renewable energy powerhouse and a strong global trading partner.
Premier Cook will deliver a keynote speech at the launch event, which is expected to be attended by a diverse group of Chinese Government and business stakeholders, along with Australian Government representatives.
China remains WA’s largest trading partner with the total value of trade valued at more than $135 billion in 2025. The country has also been WA’s largest market for goods exports since 2006.
This will be Premier Cook’s second mission to China after leading a joint mission to Shanghai and Hangzhou in September last year.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“China is Western Australia’s largest trading partner, and this mission is all about finding new opportunities that will benefit Western Australia’s future growth and prosperity and help create quality local jobs.
“I am keen to explore opportunities for direct flights between Perth and Beijing, which would be an important driver for trade and tourism investment.
“Chinese visitors spent more than half a billion dollars in Western Australia, and a direct flight to Beijing would build on existing aviation connections between Perth and Guangzhou.
“The renewed Memorandum of Understanding is significant and will deepen cooperation between our two jurisdictions
“These missions give the opportunity for my Government to strengthen international partnerships in person and up close, allowing vital relationships to continue to flourish and benefit the State.”
