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.

Swan arrived in Beijing on Thursday after visiting Hong Kong on Wednesday.

"China's dynamic economy continues to open to the outside world, bringing great opportunities for Australian businesses and the broader community," said Swan in a statement ahead of his visit.

Swan said his visit is an excellent chance to discuss the rapid economic and strategic changes in the Asia-Pacific region, which were emphasized in his country's White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century.

Su Hao, an expert on international relations with China Foreign Affairs Universiy, said that while maintaining its close relationship with the United States, Australia is also keen to improve ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, especially China.

Washington's emphasis on its presence in the region puts pressure on Australia, so it tries to keep some distance from the US and improve its relationship with other Asian countries, Su said.

"Australian policies toward Asia have two sides," said Chen Mingming, former Chinese ambassador to New Zealand.

"Australia has the US as its powerful ally in the region and has a wariness toward China, but its development highly relies on cooperation with China and other Asian countries."

China offers a large market for Australian natural resources, such as coal, and the market becomes increasingly important and irreplaceable to Australia, Chen said, adding that the economies of the two countries are highly complementary.

Diplomatic relations between the countries were established in December 1972. Since then, both countries have actively worked together economically, politically and culturally.

Swan will host a gala dinner in Beijing during his visit to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

China is Australia's largest trading partner. Bilateral trade volume reached more than $110 billion in 2011.

zhouwa@chinadaily.com.cn