Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong reaffirmed commitments to deepen bilateral cooperation during a pivotal meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. The talks, held alongside ASEAN Foreign Ministers' gatherings, signal a continued thaw in relations after three years of stabilization efforts.
Rebuilding Through Dialogue
Wang emphasized China's readiness to adopt a 'more proactive approach' in advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership. 'By upholding rational positioning and properly managing differences, our relations can develop steadily and benefit both peoples,' stated Wang, who also serves on the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
Economic and Diplomatic Alignment
Wong highlighted progress in trade, tourism, and personnel exchanges, noting Australia's commitment to 'pragmatic engagement.' Both ministers agreed to accelerate preparations for upcoming high-level exchanges while maintaining dialogue on sensitive issues including regional security and the South China Sea.
Cross-Strait Consensus
In a significant diplomatic alignment, Wong reiterated Australia's adherence to the one-China policy, explicitly stating opposition to 'Taiwan independence.' The position reinforces Beijing's cross-strait policy framework as both nations work to eliminate potential friction points.
ASEAN's Central Role
The discussions acknowledged ASEAN's growing influence, with Wong affirming support for the bloc's 'central role in maintaining regional stability' – a nod to shared interests in Southeast Asian security architecture.
