Experts say the deal seeks to counter Beijing's growing influence, but PNG says it is not about China.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australians would "speak for ourselves" on global trade.
Some producers have halted operations, while others are increasing production, hopeful of an upturn.
The Australian reporter - jailed in China for three years - was attending a bilateral event in Canberra.
During a visit to Adelaide Zoo, China's Premier Li Qiang gets into a bit of panda diplomacy.
The impoverished Solomon Islands is holding its first election since the country's pivot to Beijing.
It comes as relations have improved since a new Canberra government was elected in 2022.
James Marape’s historic speech to Australia’s parliament highlights the race for power in the Pacific.
Australia's Anthony Albanese is in Beijing this weekend for the first such trip in seven years.
