Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The People’s Republic of China
Wang Yi Meets with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Updated: July 14, 2023 18:20

On July 13, 2023 local time, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Jakarta at the latter's request.

Wang Yi said that with the joint efforts of the two sides, China-Australia relations have stabilized, improved and developed. Facts have once again proved that as long as both sides stay true to the commitment they made when establishing diplomatic relations and approach bilateral relations in the right way, China-Australia relations can and should develop well. When the direction is right, the two sides should stick to it and stay on track, rather than deviating from it again, even less reversing the course. The two sides should safeguard and consolidate the current sound momentum to continuously stabilize, substantiate and advance China-Australia relations. Both sides should well implement the common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, resume exchanges and cooperation in all fields and at all levels, and enhance mutual understanding and trust. China and Australia have highly complementary economies and huge potential for cooperation. Wang Yi expressed his hope that Australia will provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Australia. The two sides should respect each other, treat each other as equals, handle differences appropriately, cultivate a friendly atmosphere of mutual understanding and appreciation, and bring more tangible benefits to the people of the two countries.

Penny Wong said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, Australia and China have established extensive connections and achieved remarkable results in cooperation in various fields. A sound Australia-China relationship is in the interests of both sides. Australia will continue to stay true to its original aspiration when establishing diplomatic relations with China, and act on the principles of mutual respect, equal-footed cooperation and candid communication, to safeguard respective interests of the two countries, and promote greater progress in the Australia-China comprehensive strategic partnership.