International Desk: Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, April 29, held the eighth round of China–Australia Diplomatic and Strategic Dialogue in Beijing with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

During the meeting, Wang Yi stated that the strategic communications between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year have injected new momentum into bilateral relations. He noted that in recent years, the foreign ministries of both countries have made positive efforts to improve ties, with the diplomatic and strategic dialogue playing a constructive role in enhancing mutual trust, reducing differences, and expanding cooperation.

Wang emphasized that China and Australia should maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic mutual trust, expand areas of cooperation, and continuously add positive momentum to bilateral relations. He further stated that China’s friendly cooperation with Pacific Island countries is based on the principles of mutual respect and equality, and is committed to supporting their development without targeting any third party. He added that Australia should view this cooperation objectively and rationally.

As the rotating chair of APEC, Wang Yi said China is willing to work with Australia and other parties to reinvigorate and improve the Asia-Pacific community-building process and make greater contributions to regional cooperation.

Wang Yi also remarked that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, with unilateralism and hegemonism on the rise. In response to this turbulent global environment, China has consistently advocated and practiced multilateralism and firmly supports the international system centered on the United Nations.

He noted that the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity—proposed by President Xi Jinping—resonate with the aspirations of countries worldwide and align with the fundamental interests of humanity. According to Wang, China and Australia should stand on the right side of history and multilateralism, jointly safeguard the global free trade system and the stability and smooth functioning of supply chains, play a constructive role in the political resolution of conflicts, and work together toward building a more just and equitable global governance system.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed satisfaction at visiting China for the third time in her current capacity and participating in a new round of the China–Australia Diplomatic and Strategic Dialogue. She reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to improving relations with China and expressed willingness to engage in open dialogue, enhance mutual understanding, strengthen cooperation, and properly manage differences.

Wong reiterated Australia’s adherence to the One-China policy, opposition to “Taiwan independence,” and support for the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue. She stated that as a major global power, China plays an indispensable role in addressing international conflicts. Australia does not support any unfair international order based on dominance and subordination and is willing to work with China to uphold international rules, ensure energy security, and promote global peace, stability, and prosperity.

Source: Ruby-Hashim-Subarna, China Media Group.