In a significant diplomatic move, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has wrapped up his tour of Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia, marking his first visits to these nations since taking office in March 2023.
The four-day itinerary focused on stabilizing bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation, signaling a positive shift in the Asia-Pacific region's diplomatic landscape.
Li's visit to Australia was particularly noteworthy, being the first by a Chinese premier in seven years. This trip aimed to thaw relations that had been on a cool hiatus under the previous Australian government.
Throughout his stay, Premier Li emphasized the importance of mutual respect, seeking common ground, and engaging in proactive, mutually beneficial partnerships. These themes were underscored in a joint statement from the Annual Leaders' Meeting, co-chaired by Li and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which highlighted the commitment to a mature, stable, and constructive bilateral relationship.
Experts applaud the visit as a milestone for China-Australia relations. Rong Ying, a senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, remarked that despite existing challenges, the relationship is not defined by differences but by a shared vision for cooperation.
Echoing Rong's sentiments, Geoffrey Hawker, head of the Political and International Relations School at Macquarie University, described the visit as evidence of a matured bilateral relationship. \"We acknowledge our differences, but we're choosing to move forward together,\" Hawker stated.
As Premier Li concludes his visits to these key Asia-Pacific nations, the strengthened ties pave the way for deeper collaboration and dialogue, fostering a more interconnected and cooperative regional community.
Reference(s):
Key takeaways from Li Qiang's Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia visits
cgtn.com
