On 27th October, Chinese Consul-General in Brisbane Dr RUAN Zongze wrote an article on Queensland mainstream media The Courier Mail. The full text is as follows:

Co-operation key to growth

I am honoured to have been based in Queensland since June where I have witnessed the growing importance of co-operation between China, Australia and the Sunshine State. Improving China-Australia relations and enhancing mutually beneficial co-operation must be the common aspiration of both peoples.

  One area where our two countries share common ground is in combating climate change.  Climate change has been a pressing issue for people of all countries.  Two years ago, China charted the course for the peaking of CO2 emissions in 2030 and for becoming carbon neutral in 2060.  In October this year, China’s National Energy Administration published an Action Plan on Improving Standardization for Energy Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality.

 The current Australian government has put forward a 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on 2005 levels by 2030, with eventual net zero by 2050. The Queensland government plans to have 70 per cent of energy coming from renewable sources by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035. These plans indicate that both China and Australia are taking active measures to promote energy transition and achieve green growth.

To achieve these goals, we need not only each country’s efforts, but also international co-operation.  China and Australia are complementary in economic and trade relations and each have their respective advantages.

The same remains true when coping with climate change. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Australia.   There is a strong base for our friendship. In 2021, China was still Queensland’s largest trading partner and a source of international students. Recently, the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China concluded in Beijing. Surely it will add certainty to an uncertain world, which will bring even more opportunities for China- Australia, China Queensland relations.

The experience that we can draw from history is that we both stand to gain from co-operation. The co-operation between our two countries will increase our resilience as we address complex challenges like climate change and bring more sunshine to China-Australia relations.

Dr Ruan Zongze is the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Brisbane