Australia and China seek to strengthen diplomatic ties despite differences

Relationship Between Two Countries Should Not Be Hijacked by Differences

Background on Ties Between Australia and China

Ties between Australia and China broke down under the former Coalition government after the former prime minister Scott Morrison backed an international inquiry into the origins of the Covid-19 virus. This led to trade sanctions on exports to China and frozen out of minister-to-minister dialogues.

Stabilisation Under Labor

While the once-strained relations have since stabilised, there are still points of contention on territory disputes in south-east Asia, Taiwan, China’s ties to Russia, and human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Tibet. Dutton has not been shy when it comes to criticising China in the past but has taken a different approach in recent months.

Ambassador’s Message

The ambassador said Beijing was “happy” with the diplomatic stabilisation between Australia and China under Labor – but “not complacent.” He stated that he was looking to move the relationship beyond stabilisation and further into “development.”

Quotes from Ambassador and Ministers

“We have common grounds. We have differences. We even have disputes on certain issues,” Xiao Qian said.

“This is important to our two countries that we manage the differences in disputes wisely, wisely, in a sense that you don’t allow the differences to hijack our cooperation, because that’s not going to serve our respective national interests,” he added.

“I believe, and we believe that Australia should” identify and speak about security concerns and risks in the region, Simon Birmingham said.

Background on Diplomatic Relations

Ties between Australia and China have stabilized since the former Coalition government under Scott Morrison broke down after he backed an international inquiry into the origins of the Covid-19 virus. This led to trade sanctions on exports to China and frozen minister-to-minister dialogues.

Current State of Relations

Despite points of contention over territory disputes in south-east Asia, Taiwan, China’s ties to Russia, and human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Tibet, the relationship between Australia and China has continued to thaw. Dutton, who has been critical of China in the past, has taken a different approach in recent months and even referred to himself as “pro-China” during Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia.

Ambassador’s Statement

At a press briefing in Canberra, Xiao Qian stated that Beijing was “happy” with the diplomatic stabilisation between Australia and China under Labor but “not complacent”. He urged the major parties not to let differences hijack their cooperation, saying, “We have common grounds. We have differences. We even have disputes on certain issues. But for a mature relationship between two countries, we will always focus on our common grounds… we will manage the differences so that those differences are not going to disrupt too much, or define, or hijack, the overall relationship.”

Potential Impact of Tariffs

Xiao also mentioned the potential impact of tariffs on trade relations between Australia and China. The president-elect has pledged an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, which could have flow-on effects for Australian exporters.

Ongoing Engagement

There is ongoing engagement between China and Australia, with Xiao stating that he had met with Dutton and the shadow foreign affairs minister, Simon Birmingham. He emphasized the importance of managing differences wisely to maintain a good relationship between the two countries.

Points of Contention

There are still points of contention on territory disputes in south-east Asia, Taiwan, China’s ties to Russia, and human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Tibet. Dutton has not been shy when it comes to criticising China in the past but has taken a different approach in recent months.

Tariff Concerns

Both countries are awaiting the details of Donald Trump’s pledged tariff on Chinese goods, which the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, already warned could have flow-on effects for Australian exporters. On Tuesday, the president-elect said he would place an “additional 10% tariff” on Chinese imports, after initially floating a 60% tariff.

Ongoing Engagement

Xiao Qian has met with Dutton and the shadow foreign affairs minister, Simon Birmingham, and there was “ongoing engagement.” The ambassador said he would seek to show China wanted to maintain a good relationship with Australia.