Today I met China’s President Xi Jinping in the margins of the G20 Summit Meeting.

This was another important step towards the stabilisation of the Australia-China relationship. 

China is a major power with global interests and it was valuable to exchange views on challenges to international peace and security, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

We also discussed bilateral, trade, consular and human rights issues, and looked forward to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in December.

I reaffirmed the Australian Government’s view that it is in the interests of both sides to continue on the path of stabilising and developing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

We are always going to be better off when we talk to each other, calmly and directly.

There are many steps yet to take. We will cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest.