A state leader has hit out at "Trump-style rhetoric" towards Chinese Australians as she prepares for an international trade mission.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan will travel to China in September for the first time since taking over the top job from Daniel Andrews in 2023.
The purpose of the trip is to meet with business, government, educators and communities to deepen the connection between Victorian and Chinese people, she said.
The Labor leader listed food and fibre, advanced manufacturing and clean energy, medical technology and pharmaceuticals, tourism and creative industries along with international education as state sectors for possible expansion in Asia.
"We have an opportunity to turn a new page in our relationship with China," Ms Allan told reporters on Friday.
Victoria strengthened ties with China in 2019 when it signed on to Beijing's controversial Belt and Road initiative.
The arrangement was designed to increase the participation of Chinese companies in Victoria's infrastructure program and promote business co-operation.
But the Morrison government cancelled the initiative in March 2021, declaring it inconsistent with Australia's foreign policy or adverse to foreign relations.
Australia's relationship with China has thawed but could be set for a rockier period after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to negotiate an end to Chinese-owned Landbridge's 99-year lease of the Port of Darwin.
The premier claimed "unnecessary and divisive rhetoric" from conservative politicians in recent years had been hurtful to Chinese-Australian families.
"In an era of tariffs and global economic uncertainty, I want to seize an opportunity for Victoria to create good, stable jobs and drive strong economic growth," Ms Allan said.
"And in an era of divisive, Trump-style rhetoric here and abroad, I want to make the case that Victorians from overseas are a proud part of our story to the world."
Ms Allan's predecessor copped flak after refusing to allow press to accompany him on an official four-day trip to Beijing, Nanjing and Chengdu in March 2023.
Mr Andrews' seventh trip to China as premier and first since the COVID-19 pandemic cost taxpayers $82,716.
Ms Allan said the media were "more than welcome" to come along this time, having previously invited journalists to India in September 2024 for her first international trip as premier.
