On September 7, 2023, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a collective meeting with the Australian delegation to the seventh session of the China-Australia High-Level Dialogue in Beijing.
Wang Yi said, China-Australia relations have long been at the forefront of China’s relations with Western countries. The economies of the two countries are highly complementary, the people of the two countries are friendly to each other, and there are no historical disputes or major conflicts of interest between the two countries. China’s policy towards Australia is consistent and steady. China will remain committed to the important positioning of China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, and work with Australia to promote the sound, steady and sustainable development of China-Australia relations, bring more benefits to the two peoples and contribute to regional peace, stability and development. The China-Australia High-Level Dialogue has played a due role in deepening mutual trust, expanding cooperation and enhancing friendship between the two sides. Wang Yi expressed his hope that the two sides will continuously make good use of this platform to enhance mutual understanding and friendly feelings between the two peoples, make new contributions, and add positive energy to the improvement and development of China-Australia relations.
Wang Yi said, the year 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia, and this year, the two sides stand at a new starting point of another 50 years. Going forward, if you look at bilateral relations from the perspective of 100 years , the twists and turns in the past few years cannot define the nature of bilateral relations, still less can they stop the pace of China-Australia cooperation. At the same time, it is necessary for the two sides to draw useful experience and lessons from the setbacks in bilateral relations. First, the two sides should look at each other objectively, calmly and kindly, not interfere in each other’s internal affairs, enhance mutual understanding through communication, and properly handle differences between each other. Second, China and Australia should remain partners rather than rivals. It’s necessary to recognize China’s development as an opportunity rather than a threat to Australia. Third, the two sides need to advance China-Australia relations independently and without any influence or interference from any third party. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the two sides should not only repack their gear and make a fresh start again, but also unload the baggage, make accelerating progress, reduce unnecessary liabilities, build more positive dynamics, comprehensively review cooperation in various fields, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.
Head of the Australian delegation and former Australian Trade Minister Craig Emerson said that Australia’s and China’s economy are highly complementary. Both sides have broad common interests, with cooperation spanning economy and trade, services, education, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, climate change, and many other sectors. Australia is glad to see that bilateral relations are maturing after twists and turns. Australia always regards China as an important cooperative partner and is willing to conduct constructive and candid dialogue with China to understand each other, manage differences and develop long-term and stable Australia-China relations. The two sides should also revitalize cooperation in multilateral institutions, jointly promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and work together for the well-being of the two countries and the world.
Wang Yi said that both China and Australia are supporters and promoters of the multilateral trading system, and China is willing to work with all parties, including Australia, to build an Asia-Pacific community and promote globalization that is inclusive, open and beneficial for all.