Ambassador calls on Aussie business leaders to strengthen China ties

China's ambassador to Australia, Cheng Jingye, spoke about the potential for stronger ties between China and Australia at the opening of this year's Australia China Business Council Networking Day on Wednesday in the country's capital, Canberra.

China's ambassador to Australia Cheng Jingye addresses an event at the Chinese Embassy in Canberra on June 18, 2019. [File photo: au.china-embassy.org]

"The history of the relationship between China and Australia since the establishment of diplomatic relations demonstrates that a sound and stable bilateral relationship serves the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples," said Cheng. "Mutual political trust and mutually beneficial cooperation are like two wheels that smoothly drive our bilateral relationship forward."

The ambassador called for the two countries to raise their level of practical cooperation and the ties between their peoples. "There is enormous potential for the two countries to cooperate in areas of economy and trade, investment, finance, science and technology, and innovation."

"The business circle is full of creativity and entrepreneurship," he added. "It is a major force that promotes the China-Australia relationship. I hope and believe that [the Australia China Business Council] and its members, as participants and beneficiaries of the China-Australia relationship, will continue to play an active role in deepening the practical cooperation and enhancing political trust between the two countries."

During his speech, the ambassador also spoke about the upcoming 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and the progress China has made since that day.

"The living standards of the Chinese people have been improved tremendously. Hundreds of millions of people have been lifted out of poverty. Per capita GDP is close to 10,000 U.S. dollars. China's average life expectancy has been extended from 35 to 77. Infant mortality rate has dropped from 200 per thousand to 6.1 per thousand. We have established the world's largest social welfare system, covering aged care, medical services, minimum living cost insurance, and proper housing. China now has the largest middle-income population and the fastest-growing consumer market in the world. Our countrymen take nearly 150 million overseas trips every year."

Cheng also spoke about the role China is playing in the world as a major power, noting that it is the largest contributor of peacekeeping forces among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, remains "a staunch supporter of the Paris Agreement", and highlighted the important role of the Belt and Road Initiative as a platform for international cooperation.