On March 16, Ambassador Xiao Qian met with Australian Labor Party Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong in the Australian Parliament House.

Ambassador Xiao introduced the Chinese side’s basic positions on the China-Australia relations. He pointed out that the two countries maintained close cooperation in various fields ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, which has brought tangible benefits to both countries and peoples. China’s policy towards Australia remains unchanged. It is hoped that the two sides will work together to review the past and look into the future, adhere to the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and make joint efforts to push forward China-Australia relations along the right track.

Shadow Minister Wong expressed welcome to Ambassador Xiao on assuming his post in Australia and set forth Australian Labor Party’s views on relevant issues on Australia-China relations. Shadow Minister Wong hoped that the two sides would enhance engagement and dialogue.

The two sides also exchanged views on relevant international issues.