Speech
Remarks Representing the Hon John Howard MP, Prime Minister, at
a reception
12 December 2002
30 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between Australia and the People's
Republic of China
Thank you Mr Ambassador (Ambassador Wu Tao) for you kind
words.
Your Excellencies (the Rt Rev Dr Peter Hollingworth and Mrs Hollingworth)
Mr Vice Chairman (Mr Yang Rudai, National Committee of the CPPCC)
President of the Senate (Senator Paul Calvert)
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen
It is an honour to represent the Prime Minister in celebrating 30
years of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
The Prime Minister has asked that I extend his warmest greetings
and congratulations.
Thirty years ago, the world was a very different place. China and
Australia were also very different - from one another, and from what
they have become today.
We are fortunate that those before us - for more than 30 years -
had the foresight and vision of closer relations between Australia
and China.
Successive Australian governments have recognised the promise of
bringing our countries closer together. As a result, our government,
business and people-to-people links have flourished.
We welcome change and growth in China as an important trend - and
one that seems certain to be a defining feature for our region.
Who would have thought, 30 years ago, that the Chinese economy would
be integrating so rapidly with the global economy, and that China
would now be a full member of the World Trade Organisation?
Who would have thought, that as a result of economic reforms introducing
market forces to China, hundreds of millions of Chinese would be
enjoying such prosperity today?
And who would have thought, that as a symbol of China's engagement
with the world, China would shortly be playing host to global events
such as the 2008 Olympic Games and the 2010 World Expo?
Of course, Australia too, has changed.
Twenty years of reforms have made us more outward looking, more
diverse, more sophisticated, and more attuned to the opportunities
before us in our part of the world.
In recent years, our economy has been one of the best performing
in the OECD.
We aim to be a close partner with China as it moves forward on its
path of economic and social development.
This year our Prime Minister visited China, and NPC Chairman Li
Peng visited Australia.
We saw a new long-term partnership in energy take seed with the
agreement to supply LNG from Australia.
This builds on our already strong relationships in other primary
products such as iron ore and wool, and, importantly, in tourism,
education and other services.
I believe - and I know Mr Howard believes - that there remains enormous
potential in our relations.
The Australian government - and, I am sure, the Australian people - look
forward very much to what the next thirty years will bring.
I offer, on the Prime Minister's behalf, our sincerest congratulations
and best wishes.
Thank you.
Local Date:
Tuesday, 02-Dec-2008 14:10:56 EST
