Premier Lis visit today is a historic occasion -- Li Keqiang last visited Australia as Vice-Premier in 2009, and the last visit by a Chinese Premier to Australia was 11 years ago.
Labor has a proud history of advancing the Australia-China relationship. It was the historic visit in July 1971 by then Opposition leader, Gough Whitlam that led the way for the warm diplomatic relationship we enjoy today.
The Premiers visit comes at an important time for China, when Chinas place in the world is changing and China is making increasing and important contributions to global institutions.
As Premier Li said earlier today
In todays world, it is a village, it is a community of shared future. We need to work together to maintain peace in our region and in the world.Australia and China share the embrace of friendship and the common purpose of partnership. Building economic ties and breaking down barriers to trade. Working together on a range of critical global issues including tackling the global threat of climate change, engaging on regional security challenges, and combatting transnational crime.
We share a region in which we both have a stake and an interest in maintaining peace and stability, with respect for each other and for international treaties and norms.
