Ambassador Xiao Qian, the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Commonwealth of Australia arrived in Australia on January 26, 2022 to assume office. Ambassador Xiao Qian delivered written remarks to Chinese and Australia media upon arrival. The transcript of his remarks is as follows:

It is a great honor to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Commonwealth of Australia. Here, I wish to express my sincere compliments and heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been caring about and supporting the development of the China-Australia relations, and extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the Chinese community, Chinese-funded institutions and Chinese students in Australia.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Australia diplomatic relations. Fifty years ago, the older generation of Chinese and Australian leaders promoted the establishment of diplomatic relations with the foresight and pioneering spirit of statesmanship. Since the door of communication and exchanges was opened, we have witnessed frequent exchanges and fruitful cooperation outcomes in various fields. The friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Australia has enhanced the well-being of the two peoples.

Our world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. The development of the China-Australia relations is also at a critical juncture, facing many difficulties and challenges as well as enormous opportunities and potentials. The Chinese side always believes that a sound and steady China-Australia relationship serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, and contributes to the prosperity and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. As long as both sides adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equality, inclusiveness and mutual learning and firmly grasp the right direction of the development, the China-Australia relations will keep moving forward and make further progress.

I see my ambassadorship as a noble mission and, more importantly, a great responsibility. I look forward to working with the Australian government and friends in all sectors to increase engagement and communication, enhance mutual understanding and trust, eliminate misunderstanding and suspicion, promote mutually beneficial exchanges and cooperation in all areas between the two sides, and jointly push the China-Australia relations back to the right track. The Chinese Embassy in Australia will continue to provide good services and supports to the overseas Chinese community, Chinese-funded institutions, Chinese students and all Chinese citizens in Australia.

Ambassador Xiao Qian is the fifteenth Chinese Ambassador to Australia. Upon arrival, Ambassador Xiao was greeted by DCM of the Chinese Embassy Wang Xining, Consul General in Sydney Zhou Limin and representatives of overseas Chinese community.