Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Foreign Minister Penny Wong of Australia

On November 8, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Foreign Minister Penny Wong of Australia at the latter's request.

Penny Wong said that Australia and China have maintained effective communication and contact in recent time. With unremitting efforts, bilateral relations have witnessed positive changes. Australia will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and develop more stable and mutually beneficial relations with China on the basis of mutual respect. A sound Australia-China relationship is not in contradiction with safeguarding national interests. Australia has no intention to amplify the differences between the two countries, and is ready to properly handle specific issues in a responsible manner within the framework of the Australia-China comprehensive strategic partnership, and will make continuous efforts to improve and strengthen Australia-China relations.

Wang Yi said that common interests between China and Australia far outweigh the differences. The easing and improvement of China-Australia relations serve the fundamental interests of both sides and meet the common aspiration of the people of the two countries and the international community. The two sides need to maintain the positioning of bilateral relations as comprehensive strategic partnership as agreed upon by the two sides, uphold the spirit of mutual respect, seek common ground while shelving differences, and strive for mutual benefit and win-win results, so as to rebuild mutual trust between the two countries and bring bilateral relations back to the right track. In this process, the two sides need to gradually address respective legitimate concerns, and work jointly to make positive contributions to tackling current global challenges.