This week on The Fin podcast, political editor Phillip Coorey and North Asia correspondent Michael Smith on why Albanese’s China trip is so important, the challenges facing Xi Jinping at home and how China’s slowing economy is changing the game.

This podcast is sponsored by SAP.

Further reading:

• Taiwan warns Albanese - don't be blindsided by China  Taiwan’s Foreign Minister has warned Anthony Albanese ahead of his visit to Beijing that China may take advantage of warmer ties with Western democracies to try to isolate Taipei and bring it under Communist rule.
• China sacks defence minister who disappeared two months ago China has sacked its Defence Minister, General Li Shangfu, who disappeared from public view two months ago in what experts believe is part of a purge of Xi Jinping’s top ranks.
• China denies Cheng was a political hostage Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Cheng Lei’s release was the result of the Albanese government’s “persistent” advocacy with the China, which allowed the former television anchor to return to Australia this week after three years in prison.