Remarks by Ambassador Xiao Qian at His Farewell Reception

(28 July 2026, Canberra)

Distinguished Ms Elly Lawson, Deputy Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT),

Distinguished Mr Jonathan Muir, Chief of Protocol of DFAT,

Distinguished Mr Bran Black, CEO of The Business Council of Australia,

Colleagues from diplomatic corps,

Colleagues from the Chinese Consulates-General in Australia,

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Good afternoon. Thank you all for coming to my farewell reception.

In January 2022, I assumed office as Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Commonwealth of Australia. Time flies. Looking back on the past four-plus years, I feel gratified that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and through the joint efforts of both sides, China-Australia relations have emerged from a low point and regained stability, resumed improvement, and achieved a comprehensive turnaround. Progress has been made across all areas of bilateral relations, delivering real benefits to the peoples of both countries while making an important contribution to regional and global prosperity and stability.

During the past four years, political relations between China and Australia have continued to deepen, entering a new stage. President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met on four occasions, reaching important strategic consensuses which have guided China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership steadily into its second decade. Prime Minister Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the heads of the two countries’ legislatures exchanged visits after years. The foreign ministers of the two countries met for 12 times on bilateral and multilateral occasions. Dialogue and exchange mechanisms at all levels and across all sectors have been fully restored. Mutual understanding has continued to deepen. As a result, the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has become more mature and resilient.

During the past four years, China-Australia economic and trade cooperation has improved, expanded, and achieved new breakthroughs. Bilateral trade surpassed AUD 300 billion reaching a record high in 2023, and has since then maintained positive momentum for three consecutive years. China has been Australia’s largest trading partner, largest export market, and largest source of import for 17 consecutive years. High-tech products from China, including new energy vehicles, photovoltaic and energy storage products, and electronic and electrical equipment, have been well received in Australian market, while Australia’s high-quality agricultural products, energy and mineral resources, and medical and healthcare products, among other goods, have been entering Chinese market in large quantities. This has not only met the two peoples’ aspiration for a better life but also contributed to economic growth and employment in both countries.

During the past four years, people-to-people exchanges between China and Australia have flourished thanks to efforts from both sides, presenting a new and vibrant outlook. China has issued a unilateral visa-free policy for Australia, making travel between the two countries more convenient. The number of flights connecting cities of the two countries has largely recovered to pre-COVID levels, and two-way tourists have increased significantly, reaching 1.73 million in 2025, nearly ten times the figure of 2022. China remains Australia’s largest source of international students, with nearly 200,000 Chinese students studying in Australia in the 2024-2025 academic year. Since 2025, more than 2,000 Australian young people have participated in exchange programs in China. An increasing number of Australians have traveled to China to visit popular attractions, feel the unique charm of Chinese civilization, and gain a firsthand experience of Chinese modernization in an all-round manner.

During the past four years, coordination between China and Australia under multilateral frameworks has continued to deepen. As major countries in the Asia-Pacific region, both China and Australia support multilateralism and free trade. China appreciates Australia’s support for China’s hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen this year and China supports Australia’s active role, as the President of Negotiations for COP31, in advancing preparations for the conference. The two countries have conducted cooperation through multilateral mechanisms including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the G20, and APEC; maintained communication and coordination on major international and regional issues; supported each other in important international elections; and increased coordination and collaboration in multilateral affairs.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

China and Australia have no historical grievances or fundamental conflicts of interest. The peoples of our two countries share a deep friendship. The essence of China-Australia relations lies in mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. China has always viewed its relations with Australia from a strategic and long-term perspective, regarding Australia as a friend, not an adversary, and a partner, not a rival. China and its development represent opportunities rather than challenges for Australia. While China and Australia may have different views on some issues, such differences do not define the entirety of our bilateral relations. Respecting each other’s major concerns is vital to the sound development of China-Australia relationship. Next year will mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia. The Chinese side stands ready to work with the Australian side to implement the consensuses reached by the leaders of the two countries, uphold the principles of treating each other as equals, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the steady advancement of the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership along the right track.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Not long ago, the Chinese people celebrated the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. China is moving forward with confidence toward the goals of building itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects and realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. At present, China is steadily advancing according to the development blueprint laid out in the 15th Five-Year Plan. China welcomes Australia to become fellow travelers on the journey of Chinese modernization and to share the various opportunities brought by China’s high-quality development. China remains committed to the responsibility of preserving world peace and stands ready to work with Australia to firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law. Together, we will make global governance more just and equitable, build a community with a shared future for humanity, and contribute much-needed stability and certainty to a world filled with turbulence and change.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Over the past more than four years, I have traveled to every state and territory of Australia, visiting mines, factories, wineries, farms, and schools; I have been captivated by the beauty of this country and deeply moved by the sincere friendship between the Chinese and Australian peoples. These precious experiences will be cherished memories throughout my life.

At this moment, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all friends who care about and support China’s development and China-Australia friendship, and to all those who have provided support and assistance during my tenure. My heartfelt thanks go to the federal and state and territory governments of Australia, the parliaments, and various government departments. I would also like to thank friends from all sectors of Australian society, including business, education, science and technology, culture, tourism, arts, think tanks, media, and local communities. My thanks also go to my fellow colleagues from the diplomatic corps and all my colleagues from the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in Australia. Wherever I may be in the future, Australia will remain close to my heart. I will continue to care about and follow the development of China-Australia relations.

Finally, I wish Australia prosperity and its people happiness. I wish the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership steady progress. May the friendship between the peoples of China and Australia last forever and flourish from generation to generation. I wish you all good health.

Thank you.