Wang Yi Meets with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong

On July 8, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong at the latter's request on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the Bali Island.

Wang Yi said, if China-Australia relations, which are facing both challenges and opportunities, can achieve sound development, that will serve the common interests of the two peoples and will also be conducive to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. As the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia draws near, China is ready to re-examine, re-calibrate, and reinvigorate bilateral ties in the spirit of mutual respect, and strive to bring bilateral relations back on the right track.

Penny Wong said, Australia and China are comprehensive strategic partners, with extensive associations and close economic and trade exchanges benefiting the two peoples. The new Australian government will follow the purposes of the UN Charter, abide by the international law and norms governing international relations, and continue to pursue the one-China principle. The Australian side hopes to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to make bilateral relations more stable and mutually beneficial. Faced with some complicated factors in Australia-China relations, Australia has no intention to exaggerate the differences between the two sides, nor does it intend to take part in containing China. Australia will, on the basis of mutual respect and in a rational and pragmatic manner, maintain constructive contacts and exchanges between the two sides, enhance mutual trust, expand equal-footed cooperation and remove obstacles in bilateral relations.

Wang Yi said, the root cause of the difficulties in China-Australia relations in the past few years lies in the fact that the former Australian government insisted on regarding China as a "rival" or even a "threat", with a series of irresponsible words and deeds against China. China values the fact that the new Australian government has reaffirmed its commitment to the positioning of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and appreciates Australia's adherence to the one-China principle. It is our shared responsibility to abide by the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations. China hopes that Australia will seize the current opportunity, take concrete actions, reshape a correct perception of China, and reduce negative assets and accumulate positive energy for improving China-Australia relations. First, stick to regarding China as a partner rather than a rival. Second, stick to the way we get along with each other, which features seeking common ground while reserving differences. Third, stick to not targeting any third party or being controlled by any third party. Fourth, stick to building positive and pragmatic social foundations and public support.

The two sides also communicated on affairs related to Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Wang Yi stressed, China and PICs, all sovereign and independent countries, have carried out equal-footed exchanges and cooperation at the request of PICs and in accordance with the needs of their people. At the same time, China has also carried out tripartite cooperation with countries including Australia and New Zealand in the South Pacific region, which has yielded positive results. China is ready to leverage the respective strengths of all parties to achieve win-win outcomes.