Sino-Australian ties still strong 40 years on

Vice-Premier Li Keqiang called for the creation of a fair and non-discriminatory atmosphere for bilateral cooperation in business and trade when meeting with visiting Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan on Thursday.

Li said as the two major powers in the Asia-Pacific region, China and Australia enjoy a solid cooperative foundation and the relationship has great potential. The vice-premier also called on further negotiation to build a free trade area between the two countries.

Sino-Australian ties have made huge leaps forward since the two countries established diplomatic ties 40 years ago and the development of bilateral cooperation in investment, education and human exchange has brought practical benefits to people in both countries, Li said.