China’s overseas minister has commented on his nation’s tense relations with Australia in recent times, saying a “political drive” insists on viewing China as a rival as an alternative of a associate.
Wang Yi has been touring Pacific nations attempting to garner help for Beijing’s regional growth plan.
Mr Wang was requested about the way forward for China-Australia relations throughout his go to to Papua New Guinea on Friday, in response to an announcement from China’s Ministry of Overseas Affairs.
Mr Wang “famous that the crux of the difficulties in China-Australia relations previously few years is that some political drive in Australia insists on viewing China as a rival somewhat than a associate”, mentioned the assertion, posted on the ministry’s web site on Friday evening.
“State Councilor Wang pressured that to enhance China-Australia relations, there isn’t a ‘auto-pilot’ mode.
“A reset requires concrete actions. This meets the aspirations of individuals in each international locations and the pattern of our time.”
The Division of Overseas Affairs has been contacted for remark.
Overseas Minister Penny Wong can also be touring the Pacific, and on Friday mentioned the safety of the island nations should stay within the fingers of the area.
Senator Wong mentioned she had acquired correspondence from her Chinese language counterpart following her election and would reply sooner or later as applicable.
The Chinese language premier had reached out to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese too, who additionally mentioned he would reply sooner or later.