Xi Jinping Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with Australian Governor-General David Hurley and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Australia Li Keqiang Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

On December 21, 2022, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Australian Governor-General David Hurley and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia 50 years ago, practical cooperation in various fields has achieved fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the people of the two countries. The sound and stable development of relations between China and Australia, both important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, is not only in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also conducive to promoting peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. Xi Jinping said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Australia relations, and is ready to work with Australia to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to renew commitment to the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results, and to promote sustainable development of China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership to the continued benefit of the two countries and peoples.

Hurley said that the historic decision made 50 years ago paved the way for the development of Australia-China relations, bringing growth and opportunities to both countries. Looking ahead, Australia remains committed to the positioning of bilateral relations as comprehensive strategic partnership, and will develop stable and constructive relations with China in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

On the same day, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council exchanged congratulatory messages with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Li Keqiang expressed the hope that China and Australia will take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and jointly promote the sustained, sound and stable development of China-Australia relations to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

Albanese said that it took courage and vision for the Australian Labor Party government led by the then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam to decide to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1972. The right decision paved the way for a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries. Albanese said that he firmly believes that a stable Australia-China relationship is in line with the interests of both countries, and that he looks forward to continuing to work with China to further develop Australia-China comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.