In a significant diplomatic engagement this week, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Beijing. The talks focused on steering the crucial bilateral relationship towards greater stability and mutual benefit.
Vice President Han highlighted the journey of China-Australia relations, noting they have "made significant progress over the past decade or so, but have also experienced ups and downs." He emphasized that adherence to the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and seeking common ground conforms to the fundamental interests of both sides.
"China stands ready to work with Australia to implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of both countries," Han stated. He expressed China's readiness to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, enhance dialogue, and build a "more mature, stable and fruitful" comprehensive strategic partnership.
Foreign Minister Wong echoed the positive tone, acknowledging that Australia-China relations have maintained a sound growth momentum with steady progress in cooperation. "Australia highly values its ties with China," Wong said, adding that her country is committed to enhancing communication, expanding pragmatic cooperation, and advancing the sustained development of bilateral relations.
The high-level meeting is seen as a continuation of efforts to consolidate a pragmatic and constructive relationship between the two Asia-Pacific powers. It underscores a shared commitment to managing differences while fostering areas of collaboration, from trade to regional affairs, which have far-reaching implications for the region's economic and geopolitical landscape.
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Chinese VP meets Australian foreign minister to talk bilateral ties
cgtn.com
