Australia will seek more regular, official meetings with China as the federal government looks to return stability to the important diplomatic relationship.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong is returning home after “a very constructive” meeting with her Chinese counterpart where she discussed trade issues and the plight of two detained Australian citizens.
Senator Wong met with Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday for the 6th Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue – the first in four years – alongside a small delegation of high-level officials.
“We can grow our bilateral relationship and uphold both our national interests if both countries navigate our differences wisely,” Senator Wong said.
Australia’s former ambassador to China, Ric Smith, said the language used by both nation’s indicated the diplomatic relationship would settle into a more regular pattern.
“I think the language has been used in very positive terms … (it) suggests that a return to something like the past will be possible and that we’ll see more frequent meetings,” he told ABC Radio.
Former Chinese diplomat Han Yang, who now lives in Sydney, said the meeting was just as important for China as it was for Australia.
“At the moment, China has had serious diplomatic disputes with the the US, Canada, Japan (and) the EU. It is in China’s interest to try to get back in Australia’s good graces,” he said.
Mr Yang expected both nations would need to make concessions in order to lift trade bans and further the diplomatic relationship.
Senator Wong and Mr Wang discussed trade issues, human rights and Australians detained in China as well as world rules and norms that underpin global and regional security and prosperity.
The pair also flagged opportunities for further talks, with Senator Wong suggesting a “more structured dialogue” including meetings of trade and economic ministers.
Mr Wang told Senator Wong China and Australia had no fundamental conflicts of interest and should use the anniversary to reset relations.
“China and Australia have no historical grievances and no fundamental conflicts of interest and should and can become partners in mutual need,” he said during their meeting, according to a ministry statement.
Australia’s foreign minister also asked for the Australian citizens, journalist Cheng Lei and author Yang Hengjun, to be reunited with their families “as soon as possible”.
She advocated for the resumption of consular access to the pair, while acknowledging the spread of COVID-19 in China had “presented some problems”.
Senator Wong also discussed human rights issues, including in Tibet, Hong Kong and China’s treatment of the Uighur minority in Xinjiang.
“Australia believes … human rights are universal,” she said.
Mr Yang welcomed Senator Wong’s advocacy and said it was important for western nations to keep pushing their concerns over human rights issues in China.
“If we stay united and voice our strong concern it will have impact on the Chinese policy unit,” he said.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the talks between foreign ministers had been a step forward in the relationship with China.
“It’s in both countries interest to remove impediments to trade,” she told Sky News.
“Minister Wong has committed to ongoing dialogue with China when it comes to these issues around trade, and that will continue to happen.”
Ties between Australia and its biggest trading partner had deteriorated in recent years, after China imposed sanctions on Australian exports in 2020 when the former coalition government called for an international inquiry into the origins of COVID-19.
After her meeting with Mr Wang, Senator Wong signalled further developments on various trade issues, impacting about $20 billion worth of Australian exports.
Ms Rishworth said even if sanctions were lifted, Australian business should still diversify their trade to other markets beside China.
“There’s a reason for that saying don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” she said.
© AAP 2022
