This week marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and the People’s Republic of China.

In 1972, then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam took a bold decision, recognising the importance of engagement and cooperation between our two nations and peoples.

In the decades since, China has grown to become one of the world’s largest economies and Australia’s largest trading partner.

Trade between Australia and China, as well as strong people-to-people, cultural and business links have delivered significant benefits to both our countries.

Building on the recent constructive meeting between Prime Minister Albanese and President Xi in Bali on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, tomorrow Foreign Minister Penny Wong will travel to Beijing at the invitation of the People’s Republic of China to meet China’s State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, and hold the 6th Australia–China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue. This Dialogue was last held in 2018.

The meeting will coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, on Wednesday 21 December.

We welcome the opportunity to mark this anniversary.

Australia seeks a stable relationship with China; we will cooperate where we can, disagree where we must and engage in the national interest.