Prime Minister Mr Anthony Albanese became the first Australian prime minister to visit a Cochlear manufacturing facility when recently in China.
Cochlear also arranged for the Prime Minister to meet a four-year-old boy, Xia Suhang who has just received the new world first ‘smart’ cochlear implant, the Cochlear Nucleus Nexa System, and his family.
The Prime Minister witnessed the switch on of Xia’s implant – the world’s first and only smart hearing implant system. The system was launched in June in Australia, New Zealand and Bo’ao Media Tourism Pilot Zone, Hong Kong.
On the final day of his visit ion 18 July 2025, the Prime Minister visited the Cochlear Australia facility in Chengdu. Cochlear has a significant presence and is actively expanding its operations and market reach in China.
Speaking with the Secretary of the Communist Party of China Sichuan Provincial Committee ahead of the visit, the Prime Minister said: “When I visit Cochlear’s facility here [in Chengdu], it will be a great honour to me to see the benefit of the exchange and cooperation, making a difference to people’s lives here in China, just as it’s made a difference to people’s lives in Australia.”
Greater China), and far right, Greg Bodkin and Matt Little, with Anthony Albanese (centre) and Jodie Haydon. Image: Cochlear.
He emphasised the commercial and economic links between China and Australia including in the medical technology industry.
Cochlear said it was honoured to be part of that story.
“This visit is a proud moment for Cochlear and is strong recognition of our innovation and the global impact of our life-changing technology around the world,” Cochlear said.
Mr Stu Sayers, president of Asia Pacific and Latin America at Cochlear, welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit to the manufacturing site in Chengdu.
“This visit is a proud moment for Cochlear and particularly our team in China,” he said. “We are very excited that the Prime Minister had the opportunity to see firsthand how our latest technology, which is designed and manufactured in Australia, is helping people of all ages all around the world to hear and connect with others.”
Other dignitaries to tour the advanced manufacturing site included the Prime Minister’s partner, Ms Jodie Haydon, the Australian Ambassador to China Mr Scott Dewar, the Chinese Ambassador to Australia Mr Xiao Qian, and the Australian Consul-General in Chengdu, Ms Meaghan Shaw.
The Prime Minister’s second official visit to China included meeting with businesses from Australia and China to discuss deepening trade and business ties.
