Chairman William Chiu,

Consul-General Duan Jielong,

Dear Compatriots and Friends,

At the beginning of the traditional Year of the Dragon, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Australia, festive greetings and best regards to the entire Chinese community in Australia.

In 2011, China has got off to a good start in its 12th Five-Year Plan. The successful launch and docking of the Tiangong 1 module and Shenzhou 8 spacecraft marked another significant step as China moves toward an innovation-oriented country.

In 2012, the lunar Year of the Dragon, we also celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia.

Over four decades, the China-Australia relations, like dragon rising and tiger leaping, have forged ahead with fruitful outcomes.

In 40 years, high level visits and exchanges at all levels were frequent. Mutual trust between our two countries in various areas has deepened.

People-to-people interactions were dynamic. The number of visitors to and fro exceeded 1 million annually.

Trade relations continued to be strong. Last year's volume topped 100 billion dollars, 1000 times larger than 40 years ago.

China remains Australia's largest trading partner. Our interests are more integrated and our prosperity and development interrelated.

The "Year of the Australian Culture in China" proved to be a great success, and the "Year of the Chinese Culture" is in full swing across Australia.

Over 170,000 Chinese students are studying in Australia. Friendly cooperation between China and Australia is assured of young successors.

Dear compatriots and friends,

In 40 years of remarkable growth of relations, the Chinese community in Australia has played a significant role.

As we enter the 40th year of diplomatic relations, you, the Chinese community in Australia, have filled me, Ambassador of China to Australia, emotions and inspirations.

You inspire me with your enterprise and dedication.

The Chinese community has been indispensable in Australia's 200-year development. With their kindness and devotion, people with Chinese origin have become an important part of the Australian society.

I hope you will keep the faith and spirit of the past 40 and 200 years, further strengthen unity with other local communities and promote common prosperity.

You inspire me with your contribution to China-Australia relations.

You are a bridge of friendship and messengers of goodwill.

You take an active part in and facilitate cooperation between the two countries.

The mission you carry is lofty.

I hope you will continue to be active, look for more opportunities, conduct more cooperation and achieve more success.

You inspire me with your deep sentiment towards China.

You cherish and celebrate your ancestral bond with the country of origin.

You feel proud and elated when China succeeds and grows more prosperous.

I hope you will continue to care for and support China's development and carry forward the Chinese traditions and culture.

Cultural traditions are a nation's blood ties.

The Chinese culture is the common spiritual home of the Chinese community around the world.

Australia's is the home place where you live.

It is my sincere hope that compatriots and friends from the Chinese community in Australia will keep your cultural awareness and self-confidence, commit yourself to promoting the Chinese culture and enriching the Australian multicultural society, and bring about harmony and the flourishing of both the spiritual and living home.

I wish you all happiness and good luck in the Year of the Dragon.