China’s foreign minister has painted a rosy picture of the future of Australia’s relationship with his country, saying a meeting between him and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is a new start on the “journey” to improving bilateral relations.
Senator Wong is in Beijing to meet with her counterpart Wang Yi as part of the first official visit to China by an Australian minister since 2019.
Until recently Australia had been put in a diplomatic deep freeze by China, but high-level lines of communication reopened between the government and the People’s Republic of China after Labor’s federal election win in May.
Speaking alongside Senator Wong before their official meeting, Mr Wang said the change in government and a recent meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was the beginning of an improvement to the two nations’ relationship.
“Shortly after that meeting you proposed this trip. This shows that you and the government of Australia attaches importance and is positive about upholding, improving and developing China-Australia relations, which we highly appreciate,” he said.
“Keep to the right direction and start again on this journey to further improve our bilateral relations and move it forward in a sustainable manner.”
Mr Wang said there was “every reason” the two nations should be cooperative partners.
“There is no historical grievance, or fundamental conflicts of interest between our two countries,” he said.
“To maintain a sound and steady growth our comprehensive strategic partnership serves the fundamental interests of our two peoples, and is good for peace and development in Asia Pacific and beyond.”
Mr Wang did not shy away from addressing the strained relations in recent years, though, acknowledging there had been “difficulties and setbacks”.
“This is what we do not want to see, the lessons must be learned,” he said.
In response Senator Wong said she appreciated the opportunity to build on the “constructive exchanges” between Mr Xi and Mr Albanese in Bali.
“We can grow our bilateral relationship and uphold both of our national interests if both countries navigate our differences wisely,” she said.
“With that in mind today, I would like to discuss during the course of this meeting several issues of importance to Australia, which include cultural matters, trade and economic trade blockages, human rights and the global rules and norms that underpin our security and our prosperity.” (ABC)
