In a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations, China and Australia have issued a joint statement emphasizing increased dialogue and cooperation across various sectors. The statement was released following the official visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Australia from June 15 to 18, 2024, at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
During his visit, Premier Li Qiang toured Adelaide, Canberra, and Perth, highlighting the importance of diverse regional engagements. On June 17, in Canberra, the two leaders held comprehensive talks, convened the Annual Leaders’ Meeting, and addressed the media jointly. The discussions focused on deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, marking its tenth anniversary.
Reaffirming Commitment to Stronger Relations
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a “mature, stable, and constructive bilateral relationship,” grounded in mutual respect and shared interests. They emphasized adherence to the 1972 Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, with Australia reiterating its commitment to the one-China policy. Recognizing the importance of navigating differences wisely, they agreed to continue fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
Enhancing Dialogue and Collaboration
The leaders acknowledged the progress made since their last meeting in November 2023, including the resumption of key bilateral dialogues such as the Foreign and Strategic Dialogue and the Joint Ministerial Economic Commission. Plans were confirmed to resume the Strategic Economic Dialogue in 2024, signaling a commitment to ongoing high-level engagement.
In their joint statement, both sides expressed their intent to collaborate closely in international forums, including the United Nations, World Trade Organization, G20, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the East Asia Summit. They reaffirmed the importance of the UN Charter and WTO principles in guiding their international cooperation.
Promoting People-to-People Exchanges
A significant highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on increasing people-to-people exchanges. Both countries welcomed the growing number of students, tourists, and business professionals traveling between China and Australia, facilitated by an increase in direct flights. They celebrated the implementation of multi-entry visas of up to five years for business, tourism, and family visits, enhancing cultural and social ties.
The leaders also noted the important role of the China-Australia High-Level Dialogue, with plans to hold the next session later this year in Adelaide. Cooperation on the conservation of giant pandas was acknowledged as a symbol of cultural exchange and mutual goodwill.
Signing of Key Agreements
During the visit, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering areas such as education and research, climate change, strategic economic dialogue, trade enhancement under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, and cultural exchanges for 2024-2027. These agreements aim to strengthen collaboration and promote shared goals in these critical sectors.
Expanding Areas of Cooperation
The joint statement outlined plans to expand engagement in:
- Political Dialogue: Including the resumption of the Defence Strategic Dialogue, Defence Coordination Dialogue, and the initiation of a bilateral Maritime Affairs Dialogue.
- Bilateral Trade: Participation in the China-Australia CEO Roundtable in Perth on June 18, implementation of trade facilitation measures, and cooperation on standards, intellectual property, and food safety.
- Climate Change and Environment: Recommencing climate change and energy dialogues, holding the Eighth China-Australia Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Change in 2024, and initiating technical cooperation on soil carbon testing and climate-smart agriculture practices.
- People-to-People Links: Expanding cooperation to boost traveler numbers and enhancing exchanges in culture, sports, education, innovation, academia, aviation, health, and tourism.
- Border Enforcement: Increasing cooperation to combat illicit tobacco and vape smuggling, and strengthening law enforcement collaboration on counter-narcotics and transnational organized crime.
Looking Ahead
The leaders agreed to convene the next Annual Leaders’ Meeting in 2025, reaffirming their commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration. Australia welcomed the invitation for its leaders to visit China at a mutually convenient time, reflecting the mutual desire to strengthen ties.
This landmark meeting and the resulting commitments signal a positive trajectory in China-Australia relations, offering new opportunities for cooperation and mutual benefit in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
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China, Australia issue joint statement on more dialogue, cooperation
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