Chinese Modernization: New Opportunities for Cooperation of China-Australia and China-Queensland——Remarks by Consul-General Dr Ruan Zongze at the ‘China Day’ event Hosted by the Queensland Parliament

(11 September 2024, Queensland Parliament)

Good evening, everyone!

It gives me great pleasure to attend “China Day” Reception. I would like to express my special thanks to the ‘Friends of China’ MPs, Mr Peter Russo and Mr John-Paul Langbroek, for actively organizing this celebration, and I also appreciate the enthusiastic participation and support from Mr Michale Ma, Mr Peter Zhuang. Further more, I would also like to acknowledge distinguished Prof Colin Mackerras and the overseas Chinese community in Queensland.

I understand that this is the last sitting week of the current state government’s term. The fact that the two MPs held this reception in the midst of their busy schedules clearly showcases that fostering friendly relations with China is a consensus among Queensland’s political communities. I sincerely thank all present and absent Members of Parliament and other friends for your ongoing efforts and contributions to the friendship and cooperation between China and Australia, and between China and Queensland.

Since taking office, I have engaged extensively with various sectors of society and have deeply impressed Queensland’s positive attitude towards cooperation and exchange with China in fields such as trade, culture, and education. China remains by far Queensland’s largest trading partner and the largest source of international students for many years. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests, and Gold Coast are all popular among Chinese tourists. China-Queensland friendly cooperation enjoys a solid foundation, fruitful results and broad prospects.

Over the past two years, I have made many Chinese friends in Queensland, participated in numerous Chinese community activities, and heard many memorable Chinese stories. The China-Queensland friendship has been enduring, with the continuous contributions and efforts of the Chinese people in Queensland. From the shepherds who came here from Xiamen more than 170 years ago to the important participants in Australia's diverse cultures today, the overseas Chinese have always been remarkable envoys of China-Australia friendship.

I am deeply encouraged by the strong will of the overseas Chinese to promote China-Australia exchanges and cooperation and the important contributions they have made to this end. I also see the diligent efforts of the overseas Chinese in building harmonious and thriving overseas Chinese communities, and promoting Chinese culture. Therefore, we feel even more committed to our mission and will advance the development of China-Australia relations and provide better services to all.

In July of this year, the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was successfully held. The session adopted the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization. It proposed over 300 important reform measures.

China will remain committed to the basic state policy of opening to the outside world and continue to promote reform through opening-up. Leveraging the strengths of China’s enormous market, we will enhance our capacity for opening-up while expanding cooperation with other countries and develop new institutions for a higher-standard open economy. Chinese modernization will bring new and broad opportunities for China-Australia and China-Queensland cooperation.

We will soon celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The glorious yet arduous history has shaped today’s China and constructed its contemporary character. The Chinese people cherish peace and independence and firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests and is the first red line that cannot be crossed. On the new journey in the new era, the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government will continue to unite and lead compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to follow the historical trend and strive for the complete reunification of the motherland and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The historical task of China's complete reunification will definitely be fulfilled.

Amity between peoples holds the key to the relationship between countries. The friendship between the Chinese and Australian peoples has always been the source of our bilateral relations, and the young people are a fresh force to promote the friendship between our peoples. I am so glad to welcome past winners of the "When Koala meets Panda" China-Australia Short Video Contest to join us tonight. These young friends from all over Australia have told vibrant and energetic stories through their excellent video works, sowing the seeds of friendship and enhancing understanding and cultural exchange between our two countries. We look forward to your continued promotion of China-Australia friendship and making positive contributions.

In this new era with new opportunities, the cooperation between China and Australia, and between China and Queensland, is vigorous and thriving. I am confident about the future of bilateral relations. Starting July 1 this year, China has included Australia in its visa-free “circle of friends”. Both sides have agreed to provide reciprocal access to 3-5-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and visiting family members. We welcome more friends from all sectors to visit China, write a new chapter of mutually beneficial cooperation, and work together to take China-Australia relations to a new level.

Thank you!