Foreign Minister Penny Wong will take a historic step in resetting Australia’s relationship with China this week.
Senator Wong will journey to Beijing for a bilateral assembly along with her Chinese counterpart – the primary authorities minister to be invited to take action in three years – to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
This week marks fiftieth anniversary of Gough Whitlam’s historic journey to China.
In a joint assertion from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Senator Wong, it was introduced she would meet with China’s State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, and maintain the sixth Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue.
This dialogue was final held in 2018.
The assembly will coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations, on Wednesday 21 December.
It follows Mr Albanese’s November assembly with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali.
That was the primary bilateral assembly President Xi had held with an Australian Prime Minister in six years.
“Australia seeks a stable relationship with China; we will co-operate where we can, disagree where we must and engage in the national interest,” Mr Albanese stated.
The final time a international minister visited China was in 2018, when Marise Payne made the journey.
The final authorities minister to make a visit to China was Simon Birmingham, who was the commerce, tourism and funding minister in 2019.
Mr Albanese and Senator Wong stated 50 years in the past, former prime minister Whitlam had made a “bold decision” in making a historic trek to China.
“(He recognised) the importance of engagement and co-operation between our two nations and peoples,” the pair stated of their assertion.
“In the decades since, China has grown to become one of the world’s largest economies and Australia’s largest trading partner.
“Trade between Australia and China, as well as strong people-to-people, cultural and business links, have delivered significant benefits to both our countries.”
Mr Birmingham, now the opposition spokesman for international affairs, stated the Coalition welcomed the go to.
“It was always counter-productive for the Chinese government to cease ministerial dialogue for a period of time, and the resumption of face-to-face dialogue has been welcome,” Senator Birmingham stated.
“We both have much to gain from supporting a stable, prosperous and open Indo-Pacific, in which the sovereignty of nations is respected and the international rules-based order upheld.”
Senator Birmingham stated the “ultimate test” of Senator Wong’s go to can be within the end result.
“Minister Wong’s visit will be judged on progress towards the removal of unwarranted tariffs and sanctions on Australian exports; achieving fair and transparent treatment of Australians currently detained in China; advancing regional security; and securing greater transparency on human rights issues,” he stated.
“I wish Minister Wong well in her pursuit with the Chinese government, productive discussions and outcomes positive to our national interest.”
