Amidst a blistering Australian summer, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian convened a significant New Year media briefing in Canberra, attended by representatives from over twenty Chinese and Australian media outlets. The event, held on January 28, provided a platform for substantive dialogue that transcended conventional diplomatic formalities, focusing instead on direct engagement and mutual understanding.
Ambassador Xiao characterized the past year as one of ‘steady progress’ in bilateral relations, emphasizing the resilience of the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as it enters its second decade. This assessment comes against a backdrop of increasing global turbulence, with the relationship demonstrating remarkable durability despite international challenges.
The diplomatic landscape has been revitalized through increased high-level engagements, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to China and numerous face-to-face meetings between leaders. These interactions have strengthened political trust and facilitated tangible progress in rebuilding the bilateral framework.
Economic cooperation remains the cornerstone of the relationship, with bilateral trade once again surpassing AUD $300 billion in 2025. China maintains its position as Australia’s largest trading partner, primary export destination, and leading source of imports. The exchange of agricultural products, mineral resources, and healthcare goods represents more than mere economic statistics—it directly sustains employment and livelihoods in both nations.
A particularly significant development is the ongoing review of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), which celebrated its tenth anniversary last year. Ambassador Xiao highlighted that most trade now enjoys ‘basically zero tax,’ using Australian wine exports as a concrete example of how tariff elimination benefits both economies. Both countries have agreed to assess potential upgrades to further enhance trade liberalization and economic cooperation.
The ambassador emphasized that the full potential of economic collaboration remains untapped, indicating substantial opportunities for future growth. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to managing differences constructively while expanding areas of mutual interest.
This engagement demonstrates how sustained dialogue and practical cooperation can transform abstract diplomatic concepts into tangible benefits, creating a resilient partnership that withstands global challenges and delivers real value to both nations.