Tenth anniversary of China-Australia partnership offers positive climate for cooperation

Editor's note:Su Tiping, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the director of the Department of International and Intercultural Studies at Xi'an International Studies University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which took place in Canberra on June 17, marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The signing of five cooperation documents and the release of a joint statement underscore the importance of a mature, stable, and constructive partnership between China and Australia.

As President Xi Jinping once remarked, the world is big enough to accommodate both China and the United States. Similarly, the Pacific Ocean is vast enough to embrace both China and Australia. The series of measures announced during Premier Li's visit, particularly the unilateral visa exemption for Australian citizens, demonstrates China's sincerity in fostering cooperation.

However, despite the Labor Party's historically amicable relationship with China, Australia has long been an "anxious nation," harboring fears about China. The latest poll by the University of Technology Sydney clearly illustrates this point. While Australians wish to continue benefiting from their economic ties with China (62 percent), a significant portion (71 percent) still perceives national security risks in engaging with China and supports the Australian government taking a "tougher stance" against China (59 percent).

To alleviate Australians' apprehensions, it is crucial for both to facilitate more people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. The unilateral visa exemption is a step in the right direction. Additionally, a 1994 report named "Asian Languages and Australia's Economic Future," also known as the Rudd Report, recommended that every Australian child learn at least one of four Asian languages – Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Indonesian. This commendable initiative may have contributed to the over eight-time growth in trade between China and Australia from 1996 to 2007. Unfortunately, the Rudd Report initiative was discontinued in 2002, which has had a huge impact on bilateral people-to-people exchanges It's of the utmost importance to strengthen cultural exchanges between China and Australia.

The joint statement released after the meeting reaffirmed the importance of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries on its 10th anniversary, emphasizing the significance of a mature, stable, and constructive bilateral relationship.

The two sides agreed to continue developing this bilateral relationship, safeguarding their respective national interests, and wisely managing differences. They also highlighted the importance of regular contacts between leaders, ministers, and officials at various levels to support the sustained and stable development of bilateral cooperation.

There is a vast space for both countries to conduct mutually beneficial cooperation, given their complementary economic strengths and the absence of fundamental conflicts of interest. Australia's rich endowment of critical mineral resources, such as lithium, iron ore, and coal, aligns seamlessly with China's growing demand for these commodities as it pursues its ambitious goals in renewable energy and electric vehicle production. Meanwhile, Australia's high-quality agricultural products and world-class educational institutions offer immense value to China's discerning consumers and aspiring students.

Moreover, the historical ties between the two nations, while not without their challenges, are not marred by deep-seated animosity or long-standing grievances. This provides a solid foundation upon which to build a future-oriented partnership, one that prioritizes dialogue, understanding, and a shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity.

In a recent article published before Premier Li's visit, Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged the inherent differences between Australia and China, stating, "China and Australia are two very different nations, with different systems of government and different ways of looking at the world." However, he emphasized that while "points of contention are inevitable, what matters is how you manage them." This sentiment echoes the growing realization that in an increasingly complex world, the true measure of diplomatic strength lies not in the ability to create confrontation but in the skill to effectively manage differences.

As two major powers in the Asia-Pacific region, China and Australia have a responsibility to promote regional stability, prosperity, and development. By focusing on cooperation rather than competition, the two nations can set an example for the rest of the world, demonstrating that dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to shared interests can overcome differences and lead to a brighter future for all.

The Pacific Ocean, vast and bountiful, stands as a testament to the immense potential for cooperation between China and Australia. By building upon the positive outcomes of Premier Li's visit, intensifying bilateral exchanges at various levels, and fostering mutual understanding and trust, the two nations can navigate the challenges ahead and forge a partnership that not only benefits their peoples but also contributes to the stability and prosperity of the entire region.

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