On November 8, 2018, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Australian Foreign Minister Marispene jointly met with the press after holding the fifth round of China-Australia diplomatic strategic dialogue in Beijing.
Wang Yi said the dialogue was the first strategic dialogue between the two sides since the establishment of Australia's new government. This is an important link between the ups and downs of China-Australia relations and a strategic communication between the two sides to jointly address the current global challenges. The most important outcome of this dialogue is that it depicts the course of China-Australia relations. China-Australia relations should be calibrated and restarted. Foreign Minister Marise Payne and I agree that:
Both sides should unswervingly promote the improvement and development of China-Australia relations. Healthy, stable and sustainable China-Australia relations are not only in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also conducive to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Both China and Australia are advocates and beneficiaries of free trade. The final tax cut will take place on New Year's Day 2019, when almost all goods will be subject to zero tariffs. Although China has a deficit in bilateral trade, it has never taken unilateral and protectionist measures. Instead, China welcomes more high-quality Australian products into the Chinese market.
We are ready to work with the Australian side to enhance the reputation of mutually beneficial cooperation, safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system and jointly build an open world economy. China and Australia are committed to promoting the peaceful resolution of regional hotspot issues and are willing to strengthen communication and coordination in regional mechanisms such as APEC and the East Asia Summit, focus on development and cooperation, and actively promote this process.
We are also willing to work with the countries of the region to promote the establishment of a new type of international relations of mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, enhance mutual trust and cooperation among all countries, and jointly build a more peaceful, secure, prosperous and beautiful homeland.