Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called for a more proactive approach to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia.
Speaking in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Wang said both sides should prepare for the next phase of high-level exchanges, maintain the positive momentum in bilateral ties, and properly manage their differences.
"Over the past three years, China-Australia relations have stabilized, turned around and yielded positive results," said Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. "This proves that as long as the two countries uphold a correct partnership positioning, bilateral relations can develop steadily and continue to deliver results."
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, echoed this outlook, affirming her country’s commitment to a positive, pragmatic relationship with China. She reiterated Australia’s firm support for the one-China policy and said Australia does not support "Taiwan independence".
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional challenges, including developments in the South China Sea and the Ukraine crisis. Both underscored the importance of candid dialogue, deepening cooperation in trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, and the central role of ASEAN in maintaining regional peace and stability.
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Wang Yi calls for efforts to strengthen partnership with Australia
cgtn.com
