On September 7th, multiple foreign media reported on the seventh meeting of the high-level dialogue between China and Australia, which touched on issues such as trade, investment, civil relations, and international security, as another step towards stability in China Australia relations.
According to a reporter from Global Times, the agenda of the two sessions of the meeting that morning included a dialogue with political relations as the theme, mainly focusing on how to implement the important consensus of the Bali meeting between the two leaders, cherish the positive momentum of stabilizing and improving China Australia relations, properly handle differences and differences, and continuously improve, maintain, and develop bilateral relations; And dialogues themed on cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade, mainly focusing on how the two countries can continue to promote cooperation in traditional fields such as economy and trade in the future, and explore cooperation opportunities in areas such as climate change and green energy. In the afternoon, the two sides mainly discussed how to strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, and jointly promote international and regional issues of regional peace, stability, and prosperity; And how to promote bilateral exchanges in fields such as education, culture, tourism, media, and art, and consolidate the public opinion foundation of China Australia relations.
The head of the Chinese delegation attending this meeting, Honorary President of the Chinese People's Diplomatic Association and former Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, stated in his opening speech that the essence of China Australia relations is mutual benefit and win-win, and treating China as a threat is a strategic misjudgment. He said that China's development requires a peaceful and stable international environment, and a developing China will make more contributions to world peace and stability. Li Zhaoxing also emphasized the important role of independence and autonomy in the bilateral relations between China and Australia, stating that "we must take control of the future of China Australia relations in our own hands". He believes that the alliance relationship should not be opposed to the partnership relationship. The Australian US relationship has the needs of the Australian US relationship, and the China Australia relationship has the value of the China Australia relationship; Adhering to independence and autonomy is an important guarantee for the long-term stability of China Australia relations.
In the past few decades... China has not posed any threat to Australia and will not do so in the future. I hope the Australian side can understand this, "Reuters quoted Li Zhaoxing as saying to the Australian delegation." Whether China Australia relations can further improve and develop depends on whether both sides have a correct understanding of each other. "Former Australian Trade Minister Emerson, the head of the Australian delegation, stated in his opening speech, The Australian side has made it clear in previous communication that a stable bilateral relationship is in the common interests of both countries. Emerson stated that as a former trade minister, he understands the importance of Australia and China as economic partners to each other, and the economic complementarity has brought enormous benefits to the people of both countries.
Chen Hong, Director of the Australian Research Center at East China Normal University, told Global Times on the 7th that seeking common ground while reserving differences is currently the key to seeking stability in China Australia relations at this conference. The alliance between Australia and the United States, to any extent, should not place itself on the opposite side of China. The Australian side mentioned that the various differences in social systems and cultural traditions between the two countries should not be exaggerated or even distorted. As the cornerstone of China Australia relations, economic and trade issues were also emphasized at this meeting. At present, there are some frictions in the economic and trade relations between China and Australia, which need to be treated rationally and should not be labeled as political.
After the Australian Labour Party took office in May 2022, China Australia relations began to ease. Last November, the leaders of the two countries reached a consensus in Bali, followed by exchanges in some areas. But more frequent communication between high-level officials is still very important, "Chen Hong said. One meeting cannot solve all problems, and more communication will help cover all aspects of China Australia relations and more meticulously solve principled issues.
On the 7th, Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met collectively with the Australian delegation at the 7th meeting of the China Australia High Level Dialogue in Beijing. Wang Yi stated that China maintains continuity and stability in its policies towards Australia, and will continue to adhere to the important positioning of the China Australia comprehensive strategic partnership. Together with Australia, we will promote the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China Australia relations, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make contributions to regional peace and stability. The high-level dialogue between China and Australia has played a due role in deepening mutual trust, expanding cooperation, and enhancing friendship between the two sides. We hope that both sides can continue to make good use of this platform, enhance mutual understanding and friendly feelings between the two peoples, and make new contributions to the improvement and development of China Australia relations, adding positive energy.
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