In a bid to strengthen ties, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Friday, signaling a new chapter in China-Australia relations.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Wang Yi emphasized that China is ready to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia through a more proactive approach.
“Over the past three years, China-Australia relations have stabilized, turned around, and achieved positive results,” Wang said. “This proves that as long as both countries uphold a correct positioning of their partnership, bilateral relations can develop steadily and continue to yield results.”
Penny Wong echoed this sentiment, stating that Australia is committed to developing a positive and pragmatic relationship with China. She noted that both sides are preparing for high-level exchanges and look forward to achieving positive outcomes.
“Dialogue and cooperation between Australia and China in trade, tourism, and other fields have continued to make progress, and people-to-people exchanges have become increasingly active,” Wong said. “Australia remains firmly committed to the one-China policy and does not support ‘Taiwan independence.'”
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional issues, including the South China Sea and the situation in Ukraine. Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability.
Wong added that Australia supports the central role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and is willing to engage in candid communication to promote sustained and positive development in bilateral relations.
This meeting marks a significant step in restoring and enhancing the relationship between the two nations, which had faced challenges in recent years.
