On April 19, 2005, Chairman of Standing Committee of National People's Congress Wu Bangguo met with Australian Prime Minister Howard at the Great Hall of the People.

Wu Bangguo said that in recent years China-Australia relations has been developing rapidly. The bilateral trade volume last year exceeded US$20 billion. The cooperation in the fields of energy and resource develops well. Bilateral relations are showing a good momentum of comprehensive development. Both sides have jointly announced to start the negotiation on free trade agreement. The Australian side officially acknowledges the full market economy status of China. This is a major event in China-Australia relations and in the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, injecting new vitality in the development of bilateral ties. The economies of China and Australia enjoy strong complementarities. The development of bilateral economic and trade cooperation will benefit the people of both countries. The Chinese side is willing to make joint efforts with the Australian side to promote the long-term and stable development of economic and trade cooperation in the principle of mutual benefits and mutual accommodation.

Wu Bangguo said that in recent year, the National People's Congress has maintained high-level exchanges with the Parliament of Australia. The communications among various special committees and friendly groups are very frequent and effective, playing an important role in promoting the comprehensive development of bilateral relations The National People's Congress is willing to further strengthen the exchanges with the Australian Parliament at different levels, enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the people of both countries and further bilateral relations.

Wu Bangguo indicated that the Chinese side appreciates the Australian government's adherence to the one-China policy and opposition to the independence of Taiwan. This is the political foundation of bilateral relations and China hopes that the Australian side can take measures to consolidate this foundation.

Howard said that in recent years the relations between China and Australia grow well and the economic and trade cooperation has achieved remarkable results. The day before both sides signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Recognition of China's Full Market Economy Status and the Launch of Negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between China and Australia, which is an important step in further promoting bilateral relations and the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. The Australian side is willing to expand the cooperation with China in the fields of economy and trade, and actively promote the continuous development of bilateral relations and the economic and trade cooperation with China. The Australian government will continue to uphold the one-China policy and will not support the independence of Taiwan. Howard expressed the hope that the exchanges and cooperation between the National People's Congress and the Parliament of Australia could continuously make new progress.