Outcome Of Australia-China Foreign Ministers Meeting

Following the meeting between Australia and China's Foreign Ministers late on Friday, the China Foreign Ministry outlined four requirements for Australia to improve bilateral ties between the two countries.

• These are: Australia must treat China as a partner rather than a rival. Secondly, the two countries must seek common ground while shelving differences. Thirdly, Australia should not be influenced by third parties. Fourthly, both countries need to build public support featuring positiveness and pragmatism.
• Australian Foreign Minister Wong stated that Australia seeks to resolve issues calmly and consistently under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and in accordance with Australia's national interests.
• Australian concerns around a range of bilateral, regional, trade and consular issues were also reportedly raised.
• The meeting was a first step in terms of aiming to improve relations between both countries, which had deteriorated in recent years.