Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan arrived in Beijing on Monday for a five-day trade mission aimed at bolstering international student numbers and investment, and to formally launch a new state China strategy, saying she would press the federal government to raise a cap on international student enrolments.

Allan’s visit was overshadowed by media attention sparked earlier this month by former premier Daniel Andrews’ attendance at a military parade in Tiananmen Square, where photographs showed Andrews among world leaders. Asked about those images, Allan said it was “good for Victoria the former premier was held in such high regard by the people of China.”

Speaking in Beijing, Allan said she would continue to press Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to lift the cap on international student enrolments that the federal government set at 270,000 for the 2025 calendar year. "I will always say yes to international students, and I'm not going to be deterred, because it's so important. It's so important (and it) means jobs," she said.

Allan announced a package of higher education initiatives during the first day of the trip, including plans to revive a Chinese scholarship program for regional Victorian students. At a business event on Monday night she planned to unveil Victoria’s new China strategy, which she said would differ from the state strategy created under Andrews in 2016 by prioritising education, boosting regional engagement and empowering local Chinese communities.

"In Victoria, we have not turned our backs to China – we have turned to face it," Allan said in a draft of the speech reviewed by The Australian. She said her delegation included four Labor backbenchers — Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak, Point Cook MP Mat Hilakari, Glen Waverley MP John Mullahy and Ashwood MP Matt Fregon — who represent electorates with large Chinese-Australian populations.

Allan rejected suggestions that the inclusion of those MPs indicated a political motive to shore up support among Chinese Australians. "Having a number of members of parliament travelling as part of my first official trip to China next week just demonstrates clearly how our connection, our modern-day connection, with Chinese Victorians is strong," she said when asked about the makeup of her delegation.

She declined to say whether she would meet Andrews while in Beijing, noting that "Daniel is a private citizen" and that she was not aware of the travel plans of every private citizen in Victoria.

Andrews visited China multiple times during his premiership and signed a memorandum of understanding relating to China’s Belt and Road Initiative during one trip. That agreement was later set aside by the federal government, an action that prompted criticism from the Chinese embassy at the time. Andrews’ appearance at the recent parade has drawn sustained media coverage and criticism in some quarters, complicating Allan’s efforts to refocus attention on trade, education and investment.

Allan’s approach underscores a broader state-level effort to diversify economic links and secure international student revenue after the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. International education is a significant revenue source for Victoria, supporting universities, vocational providers and local economies, particularly in regional areas that she signalled the strategy aims to bolster.

The Victorian premier’s visit comes as the federal government balances domestic immigration and education policies with diplomatic considerations in relations with China. Allan said she had discussed the international student cap multiple times with the prime minister and that Canberra was "well aware of Victoria's position." The Albanese government declined to increase the cap for the 2025 calendar year when it was announced.

Allan’s visit will include business and education engagements intended to attract investment and students, and to formalise the state’s new strategy for engagement with China. The trip is scheduled to last five days; Allan’s office said the delegation would advance trade and cultural links while seeking to protect Victoria’s economic interests.

Contact requests for comment were directed to Allan’s office; the Daily Mail and other outlets reported on aspects of the visit and the continuing debate over Andrews’ recent appearance in Beijing.