Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong speaks on the relationship between China and Australia | 7.30

TL;DR

Australian officials welcome the recent meeting between the Prime Minister and President Xi as a positive step towards stabilizing and managing the relationship between Australia and China.

Transcript

Penny one welcome to the program good to be with you why do you think president XI is moving now to re-establish formal relations with the US and with Australia first point I'd make is we welcome the meeting between the Prime Minister and president XI yesterday on the margins of the G20 it's a positive step we we welcome it there are obviously many... Read More

Key Insights

• 😄 The meeting between Prime Minister Morrison and President Xi at the G20 was seen as a positive step towards re-establishing formal relations between Australia and China.
• 😌 President Biden's readout of the meeting emphasized the importance of competition between the US and China not escalating into conflict, which is seen as a positive for regional peace.
• 😊 Australia values the longevity of the relationship with China, which dates back 50 years to its establishment by Gough Whitlam. Despite differences, Australia remains open to engaging and cooperating with China in its national interests.
• 🤔 President Xi's statement that China's relationship with Australia deserves to be cherished may be subject to various interpretations, but the focus should be on stabilizing the relationship and removing trade barriers.
• 😮 President Xi's diplomatic blitz, which includes meetings with world leaders, is unsurprising as China seeks to assert its interests as a global power.
• 😥 China's challenging economic outlook, impacted by COVID-19, may influence its decision to end trade embargoes on Australian products. Both countries have a mutual interest in removing trade barriers.
• 🌍 Australia will continue to advocate for human rights and express its views, including on issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, despite differences with China and other countries.
• 😅 Lowering the temperature on the Taiwan issue is seen as a positive development, as stability and the status quo are supported by Australia. The region as a whole recognizes the sensitivity of the Taiwan Strait.
• 🤝 Stabilizing the Australia-China relationship and managing ongoing differences will take time and patience. The focus should not be on renewal or reset, but on finding a way to navigate the challenges and maintain a strong bilateral relationship.
• 👏 The meeting between Prime Minister Morrison and President Xi was a positive step for both the leader and the country, signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue and work towards improving relations.

Questions & Answers

Q: Was the meeting between the Prime Minister and President Xi seen as a significant development in Australia-China relations?

Yes, the meeting between the Prime Minister and President Xi was seen as a positive step towards stabilizing and managing the relationship between Australia and China. Australian officials welcomed the engagement and expressed the desire for further dialogue and cooperation.

Q: How does Australia plan to navigate its differences with China while maintaining a strong bilateral relationship?

Australian officials believe that by engaging in dialogue, expressing their views on interests and values, and managing differences wisely, they can continue to strengthen the bilateral relationship with China while navigating their differences effectively.

Q: Are trade barriers between China and Australia expected to be removed in the near future?

While Australian officials believe that it is in the interests of both countries to remove trade barriers, ultimately, it is up to China to make that decision. They argue that the removal of trade impediments would benefit both countries economically.

Q: How does Australia view China's approach to human rights issues in Xinjiang and Hong Kong?

Australia remains committed to advocating and promoting human rights, both domestically and internationally. Officials express their concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang and emphasize the importance of expressing their views while also managing their differences with China. They believe that the tone of discussions on human rights matters and the protection of human rights play a crucial role in promoting positive change.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Australian officials welcome the meeting between the Prime Minister and President Xi on the margins of the G20 as a positive step.

• The officials emphasize the importance of stabilizing the relationship between Australia and China and managing their differences wisely.

• They express the desire for continued engagement, cooperation, and dialogue with China while standing up for Australia's interests and values.