Beijing has given its opinion at a meeting of foreign ministers after three years of silence, blaming the former Morrison government for the collapse of relations.
After sitting down with his new Australian counterpart in Bali, China’s top diplomat said the Coalition was the “root cause” of the difficulties, alleging that he insisted on treating China as a “rival”. “or” threat “.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi waited more than a day to describe his long-awaited meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi meet in Bali. (Supplied)
“First, stick to considering China as a partner rather than a rival,” he said in a statement issued over the weekend.
“Second, stick to the way we get along with each other, which is about finding common ground while reserving differences.
“Third, be careful not to target or be controlled by any third party.
“Fourth, continue to build positive and pragmatic social bases and public support.”
Wong said Friday that the couple “spoke frankly” about differences in priorities and concerns for their countries, and agreed that it was crucial for the relationship to stabilize.
“I welcome our discussion on issues of concern between our two countries, as well as the prosperity, security and stability of the region,” Wong said.
“We spoke frankly and listened carefully to the priorities and concerns of others.
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“I raised Australia’s concerns on a number of bilateral, regional, trade and consular issues.”
Wong said it was not surprising that he would raise important cases for Australia, including the imprisonment in China of Australian journalist Cheng Lei and Australian writer Yang Hengjun.
The meeting of foreign ministers is part of a major priority for the Albanian government to restore relations between Canberra and Beijing.
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and several of his prime ministers strongly criticized China’s dealings with Australia, as Beijing increasingly cut off trade with the country and refused to answer the phone to ministers.
The relationship of nations deteriorated after the Australian government denounced the mistreatment of minority Uighur Muslims in some parts of the country and called for an investigation into the origins of the new coronavirus.