By Dominic Giannini and Andrew Brown in Canberra

Human rights and China’s remaining tariffs on Australian products will be high on the agenda when Beijing’s foreign minister arrives down under next week for his first visit in seven years.

The visit by Wang Yi comes as China has flagged the removal of punitive tariffs on Australian wine that has hurt producers.

About $2 billion in Chinese sanctions remain, largely on wine, rock lobster and beef products, which is down from a high of $20 billion when tensions between Australia and China peaked in 2020.

But the case of detained Australian writer Yang Hengjun is expected to be front and centre when the foreign minister arrives in Canberra to meet with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong on Wednesday next week.

It will be the first time the two foreign ministers come face to face after a Chinese court sentenced the writer to a two-year suspended death sentence. He faces the prospect of life in prison.

Dr Yang was found guilty of espionage charges in China in February after spending five years behind bars.

The remaining trade barriers against Australian products, conflict prevention and regional security are also on the agenda.

China has recommended tariffs against wine be dropped in an interim finding from its review of the measure.

The five-month review was triggered after Australia suspended its World Trade Organisation case against Beijing.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed news of the foreign minister’s visit and was optimistic about the tariffs being lifted.

“It’s a good thing to have dialogue. We have had some significant progress when it comes to removing impediments that were in place to trade between our two nations,” he said.

“The wine exports to China were worth in excess of $1.1 billion per annum. That means that is a significant benefit for Australia if that can be lifted, and I’ve said that I’m confident that it will be.”

The final decision is expected by March 31 but China’s Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian said the review is moving in the right direction.

Dialogue was central to a constructive relationship with China and supporting regional peace, Senator Wong said.

“Australia’s approach is consistent; we seek to co-operate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in our national interest,” she said.

“It’s Australia’s view that a stable bilateral relationship would enable both countries to pursue respective national interests if we navigate our differences wisely.”

Beijing imposed $20 billion in sanctions on Australian products, during heightened tensions in 2020.

Sanctions worth $2 billion still remain on wine, rock lobster and some abattoirs.

Senator Wong travelled to China in late 2022 ahead of a second trip with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a year later.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the meeting was a welcome development, but Australia had to stand up for its national interest.

“It’s important for us to build a relationship with big trading nations. I want to make sure that we can grow jobs and grow economic productivity in our country,” he said.

“We need to make sure that we can keep peace and stability in our region and we need to make sure that we’re honest with friends, and we need to have an honest conversation where our interests diverge.”