Reviewing the development of China-Australia relations, Liu pointed out that 50 years ago, based on the fundamental interests of both countries and following the world trend, the older generation of Chinese and Australian leaders decided to establish diplomatic relations. Since then, China-Australia relations have long been at the forefront of China's relations with developed countries. The two countries have established a series of dialogue mechanisms, and more than 110 pairs of sister provinces and states and sister cities. Both sides enjoyed vigorous development of economic and trade cooperation, increasingly close people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and profound friendship between the two peoples. Healthy and stable China-Australia relations have improved the well-being of the two peoples and played a positive role in promoting peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. However, in the past few years, the Australian government’s erroneous policies on China made China-Australia relations hit a low point.

Liu said that in this November, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and reached multiple important consensus, which charted the course for the future development of China-Australia relations. Against the background of the current major changes in the international and regional landscapes, China and Australia, as important countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, should shoulder the responsibility for global peace, stability and development. It is hoped that the Australian side will actively implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, correctly view China's development, correctly describe China-Australia relations and take practical actions to bring China-Australia relations back on the track of sound and steady development. The IDCPC is willing to carry out dialogues with the Australian side in all fields and at all levels, deepen exchanges between political parties, think tanks, media, social organizations and non-governmental organizations, push for proper management of differences between the two sides, expand cooperation, and jointly safeguard the interests of both countries and the development, stability and prosperity of the world.

Penny Wong said that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and China, the two countries have enjoyed tremendous economic and trade cooperation as well as close people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and have become comprehensive strategic partners with many common interests. In the face of some complex factors in Australia-China relations in recent years, the Australian side hopes to carry out dialogues with the Chinese side at all levels and in all fields, deepen mutual understanding, properly handle differences and promote Australia-China relations for better development. The Australian side is willing to actively promote exchanges between political parties, think tanks and media on both sides to promote the development of bilateral relations. The Australian side fully recognizes China’s important role in the Asia-Pacific region and is willing to actively participate in Asia-Pacific affairs to maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Jan Adams, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, and others were present.

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