Australia was one of the first western nations to recognise the communist government of China, almost 50 years ago.

But more recently, China appeared to freeze out Australia diplomatically, and for six long years Chinese President Xi Jinping did not meet an Australian prime minister.

This week, that changed. But how did the meeting come about? What was said? And can we restore diplomacy while continuing to speak vocally when criticism of the Chinese government is needed?

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on how Anthony Albanese sat down with Xi Jinping in Bali.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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