Recently, Australia and the UK issued a statement on Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations, expressing so-called “concerns” over China-related issues including Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea, and “calling on” China to stop Russia’s military actions. The relevant content of the statement disregards facts, confounds right and wrong, and makes unwarranted comments and points fingers at China’s internal affairs. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, and has lodged solemn representations with Australia.
Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang and Hong Kong affairs are all China’s internal affairs. They bear on China’s core interests and brook no interference from any external forces. There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The One-China principle is a widely recognized norm in international relations and the political foundation of China-Australia relations. Xinjiang and Xizang have been an integral part of Chinese territory since ancient times. With the support of the central government and the joint efforts of people of all ethnic groups, they have made tremendous achievements in economic and social development, where people live and work in contentment and all ethnic groups coexist in harmony. Such progress has been widely recognized by the international community. The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region governs lawfully in accordance with the Hong Kong Basic Law and with the support of the central government. In recent years, Hong Kong enjoys social stability and unity, robust economic growth, and fully respects and protects human rights, winning the support of the overwhelming majority of Hong Kong citizens. Pursuant to the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the Hong Kong police carries out the law enforcement operation targeting anti-China, destabilizing elements overseas, which is in line with international law and common practices.
On the maritime issues, China has always been committed to properly handling differences with relevant countries through dialogue and consultation, and safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with the law. The current situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea is generally stable. Countries concerned should earnestly respect regional countries’ efforts to uphold peace and stability. On the Ukraine issue, China has been actively committed to bringing about a ceasefire and promoting talks for peace, strictly controlling dual-use items, and has never provided lethal weapons to any party to the conflict. We have also noted the reference in the statement to Australia and the UK advancing the so-called “AUKUS” trilateral security partnership. The relevant nuclear cooperation contravenes the rules and spirit of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, creates bloc confrontation, intensifies the arms race and poses grave nuclear proliferation risks. China expresses serious concern over this.
In recent years, with the leadership of the two countries’ leaders and the joint efforts of both sides,China-Australia relations have emerged from a low point and regained positive momentum, delivering real benefits to both peoples. As the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership enters its second decade,we hope that Australia will work with China to uphold the principles of treating each other as equals, seeking common ground while respecting differences,and mutually- beneficial cooperation, further advance their relations for sound development and bring greater benefits to the two peoples.