肖千大使接受《澳人报》年终专访实录（组图）

2024年12月23日，肖千大使接受《澳人报》外事防务记者派克汉姆年终专访，就中澳关系、中国经济、南海问题等应询介绍中方立场。

专访实录全文如下：

《澳人报》：自您2022年初到任以来，中澳关系经历了一些改善和发展变化，您如何评价三年来两国关系发展成就？

肖千：自工党政府上台以来，在中澳两国领导人战略引领下，中澳关系实现稳定、改善和全面转圜，进入在稳定基础上进一步发展的关键时期。

双方坚持中澳全面战略伙伴关系定位，引领两国关系跨越坎坷，走出风雨。2022年是中澳关系“稳定”之年，习近平主席在出席二十国集团巴厘岛峰会期间会见阿尔巴尼斯总理，就重新确认中澳全面战略伙伴关系定位、加快改善两国关系达成重要共识。2023年和2024年分别是中澳关系“交流对话”之年和“全面转圜”之年，两国领导人多次会晤，李强总理和阿尔巴尼斯总理成功实现互访，为中澳全面战略伙伴关系注入蓬勃生机、丰富内涵和发展空间。

在高层交往引领下，两国各领域各层级对话交流有序恢复推进，务实合作取得积极进展，人文交流日益活跃。数据显示，2023年中澳货物贸易总额首次突破3000亿澳元。中国已连续15年成为澳最大贸易伙伴、最大出口目的地和最大进口来源国。2022至2023财年，对华贸易使澳平均家庭可支配收入增加2600澳元，占澳平均家庭可支配收入的4.6%，为澳创造59.56万个就业机会，相当于澳就业总人数的4.2%。自2018年首届中国国际进口博览会举办以来，澳企业连续多年参展，今年参展企业数量超250家，再创新高。双方达成签证互惠协议，中方将澳纳入单方面免签国家范围，不断便利两国人员往来。澳已成为中国入境游第五大客源国，中国跃居澳第二大游客来源国，也是澳最大留学生来源国。

不久前，习近平主席在出席二十国集团领导人峰会期间再次会见阿尔巴尼斯总理，就推动两国关系改善发展、拓展互利共赢合作、支持和维护经济全球化和自由贸易达成重要共识，为中澳关系健康稳定发展指引方向。一个健康稳定的中澳关系符合两国和两国人民的共同利益，也符合地区国家的共同期待。面向未来，我们期待双方进一步增进政治互信，妥善管控分歧，深化务实合作，共享发展机遇，共同打造更加成熟稳定、更加富有成果的中澳全面战略伙伴关系，为地区乃至世界和平发展做出更大贡献。

《澳人报》：您对当前中澳关系有何评价？对两国关系未来有何期待？

肖千：2024年是中澳关系发展的收获之年。在双方共同努力下，两国关系企稳向好并实现全面转圜，迈向更加成熟稳定的重要阶段。这符合两国和两国人民的共同利益。中澳是朋友，不是敌人，是互利共赢的合作伙伴，不是有你没我的竞争对手。中澳社会制度不同，历史文化各异，存在分歧在所难免。关键是双方要妥善处理和明智管控分歧，不使分歧定义双边关系。面向未来，双方要在两国领导人重要共识引领下，聚焦共同利益，妥善管控分歧，深化互利合作，推动中澳关系持续健康稳定发展。

台湾问题是中方核心利益和重大关切，是中澳关系发展的基础和前提，但澳国内对此普遍存在错误认识。在此我愿强调三点。

一是两岸关系是中央与地方之间的关系。台湾绝非主权国家，世界上只有一个中国，台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分，中华人民共和国政府是代表全中国的唯一合法政府。这得到国际社会广泛承认，是战后国际秩序的重要组成部分。澳政府表示要维护以规则为基础的国际秩序，没有道理在承认并支持一个中国上打折扣。

二是和平统一是中国解决台湾问题的第一选择。两岸同胞同根同源、同文同种，没有人比中方更希望和平统一。但如果“台独”分裂势力和外部干涉势力挑衅逼迫，甚至突破红线、企图分裂中国，我们将不得不采取断然措施。中国《反分裂国家法》规定了三种不排除使用武力的情形，目的就是为了防止“台独”分子分裂祖国。早日实现祖国的完全统一是全体中华儿女共同的心声。

三是一个中国原则是中澳关系最根本的政治基础。中澳建交50多年来，澳历届政府均坚持一个中国。不论是一中原则还是一中政策，核心都是一个中国，台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分。这也是台海地区唯一的现状。澳方应切实尊重中方主权和领土完整，言行一致、不打折扣，尊重并公开支持中国的和平统一。

澳各界普遍担心明年澳大选结果对中澳关系发展带来不确定性。我想指出的是，澳两党历史上均对中澳关系发展作出重要贡献。中澳建立外交关系是在澳工党领袖、时任总理惠特拉姆推动下实现，双方建立中澳全面战略伙伴关系在联盟党执政期间完成。当前，中澳关系日臻成熟稳定。不论哪一党当选，只要坚持中澳全面战略伙伴关系定位，从两国和两国人民根本利益出发，两国关系就一定能取得更大发展。

《澳人报》：近期，《中国日报》评称，其他国家应学习效仿澳与中国的相处之道，在中美之间保持战略自主。请问中方对此有何评论？如何评价包括澳总理阿尔巴尼斯、外长黄英贤等工党高层为两国关系改善所作的努力？

肖千：中国媒体言论自由，《中国日报》的评论代表自身观点，也代表中国读者的心声。

我想强调的是，中澳两国是朋友，不是敌人，是互利共赢的合作伙伴，不是有你没我的竞争对手。双方在某些问题上有分歧，但在更广泛领域有巨大的共同利益。历史和现实也充分证明，中澳两国“合则两利，斗则俱损”。中澳双方要相向而行、妥善管控分歧，做大共同利益。这符合两国和两国人民的共同利益，也符合地区国家的共同期待。

中方对美政策是一贯的、连续的，中方致力于中美关系稳定、健康、可持续发展的目标没有变，按照相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢处理中美关系的原则没有变，坚定维护自身主权、安全发展利益的立场没有变，赓续中美人民传统友谊的愿望没有变。中方不反对澳美发展建设性的双边关系，但澳美关系发展不应基于冷战思维和零和博弈，更不应挑动分裂对抗、加剧世界紧张局势。

中澳两国都是地区重要国家，都有自己的国家利益。如何处理对外关系，说到底应基于本国人民利益作出独立判断和决策。中方充分尊重澳主权独立和国家利益，始终视澳为重要伙伴，坚持在相互尊重、平等相待、求同存异的基础上看待和发展中澳关系。中澳关系发展不针对第三方，也不应受第三方干扰。

《澳人报》：中澳关系的改善多大程度上归功于中国，特别是中国改变“战狼外交”策略？

肖千：关于中国外交，外界在不同阶段有不同看法。但实际上，中国的外交政策从未有过改变，我们始终奉行独立自主的和平外交政策。无论国际风云如何变幻，中国都高举和平、发展、合作、共赢的旗帜，恪守维护世界和平、促进共同发展的宗旨，同各国开展友好合作，推动构建人类命运共同体。

中方愿同世界上所有友好国家发展高水平合作关系，也坚决反对任何为一己之私损害中国国家利益、破坏地区和平稳定的行为。我们从不会主动欺凌别人，但对损害中方利益的行为也绝不会坐视不管、无动于衷。

此前，中澳关系陷入严重困难，根本原因在于澳时任政府采取了错误的对华政策，责任不在中方。近年来，中澳关系逐步改善发展，是双方相向而行、共同努力的结果。当前中澳关系改善发展的势头来之不易，值得倍加珍惜。中方愿同澳方一道，总结经验教训，坚持正确相处之道，以开放的胸襟加强对话合作，深化政治互信，妥善管控分歧，推动双边关系持续健康稳定发展。

《澳人报》：澳外长黄英贤认为，澳中关系处于“永久竞争态势”中。请问中方对此有何看法？

肖千：首先，我想纠正你的错误说法，黄英贤外长提出“永久竞争态势”时并未点名中国和中澳关系。我尊重黄英贤外长，对此不作公开评论。中澳两国政府有畅通的沟通渠道。

我想强调的是，中澳关系的本质是互利共赢。两国经济优势高度互补，是天然的合作伙伴。中国为澳丰富的矿产资源提供了巨大且稳定的消费市场，中国的新能源汽车为澳普通民众提供了物美价廉的消费选择。两国在气候变化、清洁能源等方面理念契合，在数字经济、科技创新、健康产业等新兴领域合作潜力巨大。中澳加强合作将实实在在造福两国和两国人民，有效维护国际产业链、供应链稳定，是互利共赢的最好体现。

另一方面，中澳社会制度、历史文化不同，发展程度有别，双方出现分歧在所难免。关键是要妥善处理和管控分歧，不使分歧定义双边关系。既然中澳关系走在正确轨道，就要不犹豫、不偏航，不走回头路。这符合两国和两国人民的共同利益，也是地区国家的普遍期待。

《澳人报》：许多驻澳外交官认为您为推动中澳关系转圜作出了积极贡献。请问您担任中国驻澳大使的信条是什么？

肖千：大使是两国关系的桥梁和纽带。作为中国驻澳大使，维护中国国家利益、促进中澳互利合作是我的神圣职责和重要使命。

自2022年初抵澳履新以来，我始终致力于在中澳两国利益中寻找交汇点，推动双方互利合作，扩大共同利益。与此同时，我也认识到中澳两国存在分歧，一直努力推动双方通过对话协商妥善处理和管控分歧，避免影响两国关系发展大局。

事实证明，中澳共同利益远大于分歧。只要双方坚持相互尊重、平等相待，求同存异，中澳关系就一定能够发展好。这也是我作为中国驻澳大使始终坚持的重要理念。三年来，我见证两国关系重回健康稳定发展正轨，很高兴能为此做些工作，也对澳各界对我履职尽责提供的宝贵支持表示感谢。未来我将继续努力与澳方一道推动中澳关系实现更大发展。

《澳人报》：澳政府近日宣布中国已取消对澳龙虾的进口限制。您对此有何评论？

肖千：中澳两国总理今年10月在出席东亚合作领导人系列会议期间，已就今年底前全面恢复澳龙虾输华达成重要共识，此后两国主管部门就检验检疫等技术性问题保持密切沟通。近日，中方在北京通报澳方，澳龙虾输华口岸常规检验检疫恢复。这对双边关系是一个重要利好。中方期待两国关系迎来更多好消息。

《澳人报》：澳政府有意对素以批评中国著称的澳战略政策研究所削减政府拨款。您对此有何评论？

肖千：此事属于澳内政，我不作评价。我想强调的是，澳战略政策研究所长期发表涉华负面言论，对华攻击抹黑，习惯戴着“有色眼镜”、基于冷战思维看中国，认为中国“国强必霸”，一旦成为超级大国必将欺凌他国。这种恶意揣测毫无根据，也说明其完全不了解真实的中国。中方欢迎包括澳战略政策研究所在内的智库访华，同中国专家学者加强交流，以亲眼所见、亲身所感认识真实的中国。

《澳人报》：澳政府在同太平洋岛国开展警务合作时似乎有意将中国排除在外。您对此有何评论？

肖千：中国同太平洋岛国的关系同中国与其他发展中国家的关系别无二致。中方一贯支持岛国经济社会发展，受到岛国政府和人民欢迎。中方同部分岛国开展警务合作旨在维护当地社会秩序，无意建设军事基地，没有地缘政治目的。

中澳在发展同岛国关系上没有冲突，只有共同利益。中方对在气候变化、警务等岛国关切领域开展三方或多方合作持开放态度，愿同澳方共同促进岛国经济社会发展。

《澳人报》：澳国库部长查尔默斯警告称，中国经济增速放缓令澳经济前景堪忧。中方如何看待明年的中国经济前景？澳方是否应对中国经济感到乐观，抑或感到忧虑？

肖千：近期，澳各界和舆论高度关注中国经济，我愿就此分享几点看法。

今年以来，世界经济复苏乏力，国际形势变乱交织，中国经济正处在结构调整转型的关键阶段，周期性和结构性矛盾相互叠加，下行压力有所增加。面对这些新情况和新问题，中国政府始终正视困难、沉着应对，着力保障民生，防范化解重点领域风险。

中国共产党二十届三中全会提出300多项重要改革举措，就推动经济高质量发展、扩大高水平对外开放等各领域作出系统布局。今年9月，中共中央政治局召开会议，分析研究当前中国经济形势，部署下一步经济工作，中国多部门相继推出一揽子增量政策，包括进一步扩大内需、加强助企帮扶和就业支持力度等。近期，中央经济工作会议对今年中国经济工作进行总结，认为中国经济一年来发展历程极不平凡，成绩令人鼓舞。会议并决定明年实施更加积极的财政政策和适度宽松的货币政策，为中国经济发展指明方向。

中国经济基础好，韧性强，活力足。随着更加积极的财政政策和适度宽松的货币政策、存量政策和一揽子增量政策持续发力显效，中国经济发展活力和动力进一步释放，经济运行总体稳中有进，经济结构更趋优化，高质量发展扎实推进，新质生产力加快形成，中国经济增速在世界主要经济体中位居前列。我们有充分理由相信中国经济将实现全年发展目标。

中国式现代化和高水平对外开放将为中澳经贸合作开辟更广阔空间。面向未来，中澳两国在能矿、农业等传统领域合作将不断增强，在绿色发展、数字经济、科技创新、健康产业等新兴领域合作也将进一步拓展，中澳经贸合作未来可期。

《澳人报》：当前，澳会同美、菲、日等国在南海开展更多自由航行。中方对此有何评论？澳军舰是否应在南海开展军事活动？此举将对地区稳定有何影响？

肖千：南海航行与飞越自由从来不是问题，中国尊重各国依据国际法在南海享有的航行自由。中国是对外贸易大国，比任何国家都更关心南海的航行与飞越自由，比任何国家都更积极维护国际航运通道安全和畅通。事实上，南海是目前世界上最安全、最自由的海上通道之一。全球50%的商船和1/3的海上贸易航经该海域，每年有10万多艘商船通过该海域。

在地区国家共同努力下，当前南海局势保持总体稳定并向好发展。中方从维护周边友好和地区合作大局出发，同东盟国家签署了《南海各方行为宣言》，正持续推进“南海各方行为准则”磋商，积极开展海上务实合作，共同维护南海和平稳定。有关努力应得到国际社会充分尊重。

在此形势下，个别域外国家为一己私利，频繁炒作南海问题，甚至派遣大规模军舰、飞机进入相关海域，推动军事化，威胁地区和平稳定，并借此挑拨中国同地区国家关系，以服务自身不可告人的目的。这一行为极不光彩，中方对此坚决反对。澳不是南海问题当事方，应尊重中国国家主权和地区国家共同利益，认清地区发展的主流和大势，切实为维护有关海域和平稳定发挥积极作用，而不是相反。

《澳人报》：中澳关系能否在特朗普上台后维持当前良好势头？中澳双方应如何应对特朗普上台的不确定性？

肖千：美国大选是美内政，中方尊重美国人民的选择。习近平主席已致电特朗普，祝贺其当选美总统。

习近平主席不久前同美国总统拜登举行会晤时强调，中方对美政策是一贯的、连续的，中方致力于中美关系稳定、健康、可持续发展的目标没有变，按照相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢处理中美关系的原则没有变，坚定维护自身主权、安全、发展利益的立场没有变，赓续中美人民传统友谊的愿望没有变。中方愿同美方继续保持对话、拓展合作、管控分歧，延续中美关系来之不易的企稳势头。

当前，美政府正处于过渡时期，美新政府外交和贸易政策将对包括中澳在内的各方带来重大影响。中澳同为亚太地区重要国家，在本地区有广泛的共同利益。面对部分国家单边主义和政策不确定带来的风险挑战，中澳应按照两国领导人达成的重要共识，不断推动双边关系改善发展，拓展互利共赢合作，支持和维护经济全球化和自由贸易。

《澳人报》：特朗普声称将对澳、对华征收高额关税。中方认为这将在多大程度上影响中澳两国经济发展？

肖千：作为原则，中方始终认为，贸易战不会有赢家，更不利于世界发展。美新政府外交和贸易政策将对包括中澳在内的各方带来重大影响。中澳均为贸易大国，是两国自由贸易协定的受益者，应该共同支持经济全球化，维护包括世界贸易组织在内的国际贸易体系。

我想强调的是，中国有世界上最大的中产阶层群体，内部市场巨大，经济基础好、韧性强，活力足。随着中国政府一揽子经济刺激措施的持续发力，我们有信心中国经济将持续稳定快速发展。中澳两国经济优势互补，是天然的合作伙伴。两国已经签署自由贸易协定，经贸往来潜力巨大。中方愿向包括澳方在内的地区国家分享发展机遇，深化互利合作，共同维护国际产业链、供应链稳定，减少全球经济风险和不确定因素，共同应对风险挑战。

《澳人报》：当前，随着美在澳部署海军陆战队、“松树谷”卫星地面观测站并加大轰炸机和核潜艇巡逻，澳正逐渐论为美军事基地。中方对此有何看法？如何看待澳美防务合作对地区和平稳定发挥的作用？

肖千：中方不反对包括澳美在内的任何国家间开展正常的交往活动，但有关合作应为地区乃至世界和平稳定发挥建设性作用，而非相反。美国同中国周边国家强化军事安全联系，配合其实施所谓“印太战略”，所作所为损害中国利益，破坏亚太地区和平稳定。

我想强调的是，中国始终秉持独立自主的和平外交政策，始终致力于做世界和平的建设者、全球发展的贡献者和国际秩序的维护者。中国国防力量的增长是世界和平力量的增长。有关国家应摒弃冷战思维、阵营对抗的过时理念，奉行正确的对华认知，停止搞封闭排他的小圈子，避免采取危害亚太地区和平稳定的错误行径。

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Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian Receives an Exclusive Year-end Interview from the Australian

On October 23rd 2024, Ambassador Xiao Qian received an exclusive year-end interview with Ben Packham, the Australian's foreign affairs and defence correspondent, and elaborated China's position on China-Australia relations, China's economy, the South China Sea and others. The full text of the interview is as follows:

The Australian: The Australia-China relationship has undergone some big changes since you arrived in January 2022. How would you describe the progress that has been made in repairing that relationship? What is the next step you would like to see in improving Australia-China ties? Are there any policy changes that China would like to see from the Australian side?

Xiao Qian: Since the Labor government took office, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of China and Australia, the bilateral relationship has achieved stabilization, improvement, and a comprehensive turnaround, entering a critical period of further development on a stable foundation. 

Both sides have upheld the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, navigating through challenges and overcoming difficulties together. The year 2022 marked the Year of Stabilization for China-Australia relations, during which President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Albanese on the sidelines of the G20 Bali Summit, reaching significant consensus on reaffirming the commitment to comprehensive strategic partnership and accelerating the improvement of bilateral ties. The years 2023 and 2024 have respectively been designated as the Year of Exchange and Dialogue and the Year of Comprehensive Turnaround for China-Australia relations. During this time, the two leaders held multiple meetings, Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Albanese successfully conducting reciprocal visits, injecting vitality, enriching substance, and expanding the potential for development in the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Under the leadership of high-level exchanges, dialogues and engagements across various sectors and levels have resumed and been promoted in an orderly manner, practical cooperation has achieved notable progresses and people-to-people exchanges are becoming more active. According to data, the total value of China-Australia goods trade exceeded AUD 300 billion for the first time in 2023. China has remained Australia's largest trading partner, export destination and import source for 15 consecutive years. In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, trade with China increased the average disposable income of Australian households by AUD 2,600, accounting for 4.6% of Australia's average household disposable income, and created 595,600 jobs, equivalent to 4.2% of Australia's total employment. Since the inaugural China International Import Expo in 2018, Australian companies have participated annually, with over 250 Australian companies participating this year, setting a new record. Both sides have also agreed on a visa reciprocity arrangement, with China putting Australia in its list of unilateral visa-free countries, facilitating the travel between the two countries. Australia has become China's fifth-largest source of inbound tourists, while China has become Australia's second-largest source of tourists and its largest source of international students.

Recently, on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit, President Xi Jinping once again met with Prime Minister Albanese, reaching important consensus on promoting the improvement and development of bilateral relations, expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, and supporting and upholding economic globalization and free trade. This provides strategic direction for the healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations. A healthy and stable China-Australia relationship serves the common interests of both countries and their peoples, and meets the shared expectations of the regional countries. Looking to the future, we hope both sides will further enhance political mutual trust, properly manage divergences, deepen practical cooperation, share development opportunities, and jointly build a more mature, stable, and fruitful Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This will contribute more significantly to regional and global peace and development.

The Australian: What is your comment on the current China-Australia relationship? What are your expectations for the future of the relationship between the two countries?

Xiao Qian: The year 2024 is a year of accomplishments for China-Australia relations. With the joint efforts of both sides, the relationship between the two countries has stabilized and achieved a comprehensive turnaround, moving towards an important stage of greater maturity and stability. This is in the common interests of the two countries and peoples. China and Australia are friends, not foes; we are partners of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, not rivals of zero-sum competition. China and Australia have different social systems and historical and cultural backgrounds. Despite there are some differences between our two countries,the key lies in managing and addressing them appropriately and ensuring that they do not define the bilateral relationship. Looking into the future, the two sides should, under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, focus on common interests, properly manage differences, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations.

The Taiwan question, which bears on China's core interests and major concerns, is the fundamental prerequisite for the development of China-Australia relations. However, there are some misunderstandings in Australia. Hereby I would like to emphasize three points.

First, cross-strait relations are relations between the central government and local governments. Taiwan is by no means a sovereign state. There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This is widely recognized by the international community and is an important part of the post-war international order. The Australian Government has stated that it would uphold the rule-based international order, and there is no reason to compromise on recognizing and supporting one China.

Second, peaceful reunification is China's first choice in resolving the Taiwan question. As people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same roots, language and culture, no one wants peaceful reunification more than China. However, if “Taiwan independence” separatists and external forces provoke and force their way through, or even trample our red lines in an attempt to split China, we will be forced to take resolute measures. China's Anti-Secession Law provides for three situations in which the use of force is not ruled out, with the aim of preventing “Taiwan independence” separatists from splitting the motherland. The early realization of the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of all Chinese compatriots.

Third, the one-China principle is the most fundamental political foundation of China-Australia relations. For more than 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia, the Australian governments have adhered to the one-China principle. Be it the one-China principle or the one-China policy, the core is that, there is but one China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. This is also the only one status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Australia should earnestly respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, be consistent in words and deeds without compromise, and respect and publicly support China's peaceful reunification.

People from various fields in Australia are generally concerned about the uncertainty of the upcoming Australian federal election on China-Australia relations. Therefore, I would like to point out that both the two parties in Australia have historically made important contributions to the development of China-Australia relations. The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia was facilitated by Gough Whitlam,then Australian Prime Minister and leader of the Australian Labor Party, and the establishment of the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was achieved during the Australian Coalition government. At present, China-Australia relations have become increasingly mature and stable. Regardless of the outcome of the Australian federal election,the relations between our two countries will certainly achieve greater development as long as the Australian sides adheres to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and acts in the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples.

The Australian: The China Daily said other global leaders should emulate Anthony Albanese's approach to dealing with China. How much do you credit Prime Minister and Penny Wong for the improvement in bilateral relations?

Xiao Qian: Chinese media enjoys freedom of expression, and China Daily's opinions reflect its own views and the sentiments of Chinese readers.

I would like to emphasize that China and Australia are friends, not foes; we are partners of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, not rivals of zero-sum competition. While the two sides may have divergences on certain issues, we share significant common interests in broader areas. History and reality both demonstrate that cooperation benefits both China and Australia, while confrontation harms us both. The two sides should move toward each other, manage differences appropriately, and expand our shared interests. This serves the common interests of both countries and their peoples and meets the expectations of countries in the region.

China's policy toward the United States has always been consistent. Our commitment to the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations remains unchanged. Our adherence to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation in handling bilateral relations is steadfast. China's determination to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests remains firm, as does our aspiration to carry forward the traditional friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. China does not oppose the development of a constructive bilateral relationship between Australia and the United States. However, the development of Australia-U.S. ties should not be based on Cold-War mentality and zero-sum game mindset, nor should it provoke division and confrontation or exacerbate global tensions.

Both China and Australia are significant nations in the region, each with its own national interests. Ultimately, how to manage external relations should be determined independently based on the interests of their respective peoples. China fully respects Australia's sovereignty and national interests and has always regarded Australia as an important partner. We are committed to viewing and developing China-Australia relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and a willingness to seek common ground while setting aside differences. The development of China-Australia relations is not directed at any third party and should not be influenced by external interference.

The Australian: How much of the improvement in relations is due to China and the end of its so-called “Wolf Warrior diplomacy”?

Xiao Qian: Regarding China's diplomacy, its foreign policy has remained consistent while the outside world has different views  across various periods. China has consistently pursued an independent and peaceful foreign policy. Regardless of changes in the international landscape, China has steadfastly upheld the banner of peace, development, cooperation, and win-win, adhering to the mission of safeguarding world peace and promoting common development. We actively engage in friendly cooperation with other countries and work to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

China is willing to develop high-level cooperative relationships with all friendly nations worldwide. At the same time, we firmly oppose any actions that harm China's national interests or undermine regional peace and stability for selfish gains. While we never seek to bully others, we will never stand idly by or remain indifferent to actions that damage China's interests.

Previously, China-Australia relations encountered significant difficulties, primarily due to the faultful policies to China adopted by the then-Australian government. The responsibility did not lie with China. In recent years, the gradual improvement and development of China-Australia relations have been the result of both sides moving toward each other and working together. The current momentum of improving relations is hard-earned and should be cherished. China is ready to work with Australia to draw lessons from the past, adhere to the principles of proper engagement, and strengthen dialogue and cooperation with an open mind. By deepening political mutual trust, managing divergences  appropriately, we can promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.

The Australian: Penny Wong says Australia is in a “permanent state of contest” with China. What's your view? 

Xiao Qian: Firstly, I would like to correct your inaccurate statement. While Foreign Minister Penny Wong referred to a state of permanent contest, she did not specifically mention China or China-Australia relations. I respect Minister Wong and will refrain from making public comments on her remarks. The governments of China and Australia maintain open and effective channels of communication.

I would like to emphasize that the essence of China-Australia relations is mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. The economies are highly complementary to each other, making us natural partners. China provides a vast and stable market for Australia's abundant mineral resources, while Chinese new energy vehicles offer Australian consumers high-quality and affordable options. Moreover, China and Australia share common ground on issues such as climate change and clean energy, and there is tremendous potential for cooperation in emerging fields such as the digital economy, technological innovation, and health industries. Strengthened cooperation between China and Australia will bring tangible benefits to both countries and their peoples, effectively safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and exemplify mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

At the same time, China and Australia have different social systems, historical and cultural backgrounds, and are at different development stage. It's inevitable that the two counties have some divergences. The key lies in managing and addressing these differences appropriately, ensuring that they do not define the bilateral relationship. Now that China-Australia relations are back on the right track, it is important to stay the course without hesitation, avoid deviations, and refrain from regressing. This aligns with the shared interests of both countries and their peoples and reflects the broader expectations of nations in the region.

The Australian: Many diplomats in Canberra say you have been very successful in helping to turn things around. What has been your guiding philosophy as Ambassador?

Xiao Qian: An ambassador serves as a bridge and a bond between two countries. As Chinese Ambassador to Australia, safeguarding China's national interests and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Australia are my sacred duties and important mission.

Since assuming post in early 2022, I have been committed to identifying where our interests converge, advancing mutually beneficial cooperation, and expanding shared interests. At the same time, I recognized the divergences that exist between China and Australia, and have consistently worked to encourage both sides to address and manage these divergences through dialogue and consultation, ensuring that they do not affect the trajectory of our bilateral relations.

The facts demonstrate that the common interests between China and Australia far outweigh our divergences. As long as both sides adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and seeking common ground while setting aside differences, China-Australia relations will undoubtedly continue to flourish. This has been the guiding principle of mine throughout my tenure as Chinese Ambassador. Over the past three years, I have witnessed China-Australia relations returning to a path of healthy and stable development. I am pleased to have contributed to this progress and deeply grateful for the valuable support I have received from all folks of Australian in fulfilling my duties. Looking ahead, I will continue to work tirelessly with the Australian side to further advance China-Australia relations and achieve even greater progress.

The Australian: The Australian government recently announced that China has lifted import restrictions on Australian lobsters. What is your comment?

Xiao Qian: During the the Leaders' Meetings on East Asia Cooperation in October this year,Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reached an important consensus on the full resumption of Australian lobster exports to China by the end of this year. Since then, the competent authorities of the two countries have maintained close communication on technical issues such as inspection and quarantine. Recently, China has informed the Australian side in Beijing that routine port inspection and quarantine of Australian lobsters exported to China has been resumed. This is a significant momentum for bilateral relations. We expect more progress in bilateral relations.

The Australian: The Australian government intends to cut government funding for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), which is known for criticizing China. What is your comment on this?

Xiao Qian: This is a matter of Australia's internal affairs and I will not comment on it. What I would like to emphasize is that ASPI has long published negative remarks about China, attacked and smeared China, and is used to looking at China with “tinted glasses” and based on the Cold War mentality, believing that China is a strong country that will be “hegemonic”, and that once it becomes a superpower, it will bully other countries. Such malicious speculation is groundless and demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the real China. We welcomes Australian think tanks, including ASPI, to visit China to strengthen exchanges with Chinese specialists and scholars and learn about the real China with their own eyes and feelings.

The Australian: What is your comment on the Australian government's seemingly intentional exclusion of China from police cooperation with the Pacific Island countries?

Xiao Qian: China's relations with the Pacific island countries are no different from those with other developing countries. China has been always supporting the economic and social development of the island countries, which has been welcomed by the governments and peoples. China's police cooperation with some of the island countries is to maintain the order of the local society, without any intention of building military bases or geopolitical purposes.

China and Australia have no conflict in developing relations with the island countries, but only common interests. China is open to tripartite or multi-party cooperation in such areas of concern to the islands as climate change and policing, and is willing to work with Australia to promote the economic and social development of the island countries.

The Australian: Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned the slowing Chinese economy is feeding the more pessimistic outlook for the Australian economy. Will China be an economic drag on Australia in 2025, or should we be more optimistic? 

Xiao Qian: Recently, there has been significant attention from various sectors and public opinion in Australia regarding China's economy, and I would like to share a few thoughts on this matter.

This year, global economic recovery has been sluggish, and international conditions are characterized by complexity and uncertainty. China's economy is undergoing a critical phase of structural adjustment and transformation, with both cyclical and structural issues exist, leading to increased downward pressure. In the face of these new situations and challenges, the Chinese government has consistently confronted difficulties head-on and responded calmly, focusing on ensuring the well-being of the people and preventing and addressing risks in key areas.

At the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, over 300 important reform measures were introduced, with a systematic layout for promoting high-quality economic development, expanding high-level opening-up, and other fields. In September this year, the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting to study the current economic situation and outline the next steps for economic work. Various Chinese government departments have introduced a series of incremental policies, including further expanding domestic demand, strengthening support for businesses, and enhancing employment assistance. Recently, the Central Economic Work Conference summarized the progress of China's economic work this year, noting that development journey over the past year has been extraordinary and the achievements have been encouraging. The conference decided to implement a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy next year, providing clear direction for the country's economic development.

China's economy is underpinned by solid fundamentals, strong resilience, and abundant vitality. With the ongoing implementation of more proactive fiscal policies, moderate monetary easing, and a comprehensive package of incremental policies, China's economic vitality and momentum will continue to be released. The economy is progressing steadily, with an optimized structure, solid advancement of high-quality development, and accelerated generation of new quality productive forces. China's economic growth rate remains among the highest of major global economies. We have every reason to believe that China will achieve its development goals for the year.

Chinese modernization and high-level opening-up will create broader opportunities for China-Australia economic and trade cooperation. Looking ahead, cooperation between our two countries in traditional sectors such as energy and mining, agriculture, as well as in emerging fields like green development, digital economy, technological innovation, and the health industry, will continue to strengthen and expand. The prospects for China-Australia economic and trade cooperation are promising.

The Australian: Australia is doing more freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea with the Philippines, Japan and the US. What is China's view of these activities? Should the Australian navy be operating at all in the South China Sea? What's the effect of these activities on regional stability?

Xiao Qian: Freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea has never been a problem. China respects the right of all countries to exercise freedom of navigation in the South China Sea in accordance with international law. As a major global trading nation, China cares more than any other country about the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and is more proactive than any other country in safeguarding the security and smooth sailing of international shipping lanes. In fact, the South China Sea is one of the world's safest and freest sea lanes. Fifty percent of merchant vessels in the world and one-third of international maritime trade pass through it, and more than 100,000 merchant ships sail through it annually.

Thanks to the joint efforts of regional countries, the situation in the South China Sea remains generally stable and is improving. From the perspective of safeguarding regional friendship and cooperation, China has signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea with ASEAN countries, is continuing consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and is actively promoting practical maritime cooperation to jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. These efforts should be fully respected by the international community.

Under such circumstances, out of selfish motives, certain non-regional countries frequently hype up matters related to the the South China Sea, and even send advanced military vessels and aircraft in a massive scale to the relevant waters in a bid to promote militarization, threaten peace and stability in the region, and attempt to drive a wedge between China and other regional countries to serve their hidden agendas. This behavior is highly disgraceful, and China firmly opposes it.

Australia is not a party to the South China Sea issue and should respect China's sovereignty and the common interests of regional countries. It should recognize the mainstream trends and the overall development of the region and play a positive role in maintaining peace and stability in the relevant waters, instead of doing the opposite.

The Australian: Do you believe Donald Trump's return to the White House will test the Australia-China relationship once again? How should Australia and China respond?

Xiao Qian: The U.S. presidential election is the domestic issue of the United States, and China respects the choice of the American people. President Xi Jinping has already congratulated Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States.

During a recent meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, President Xi emphasized that China's policy toward the United States remains consistent and continuous. China is committed to the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, and this goal has not changed. The principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation in handling China-U.S. relations have not changed. China's firm stance on safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests remains unchanged, as does China's desire to continue the traditional friendship between the peoples of the two countries. China is willing to continue dialogue with the U.S., expand cooperation, manage divergences, and maintain the hard-won momentum of stabilizing China-U.S. relations.

At present, the U.S. government is in a transition period, and the foreign and trade policies of the new U.S. administration will have significant implications for all parties, including China and Australia. Both China and Australia are important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with extensive shared interests. In the face of risks and challenges posed by unilateralism and policy uncertainties from certain countries, China and Australia should, in accordance with the important consensus reached by their leaders, continue to promote the improvement and development of bilateral relations, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and support and safeguard economic globalization and free trade.

The Australian: How big a risk are Donald Trump's proposed new tariffs for the Chinese and Australian economies?

Xiao Qian: As a principle, China has always maintained that there are no winners in a trade war, and such conflicts are detrimental to global development. The foreign and trade policies of the new U.S. administration will have significant implications for all parties, including China and Australia. Both China and Australia are major trading nations and beneficiaries of their bilateral free trade agreement. They should jointly support economic globalization and safeguard the international trade system, including the World Trade Organization.

I would like to emphasize that China has the world's largest middle class, a vast domestic market, a solid economic foundation, strong resilience, and abundant vitality. With the continued implementation of China's economic stimulus measures, we are confident that China's economy will continue to grow steadily and rapidly. The economic advantages of China and Australia are highly complementary, making the two countries natural partners for cooperation. The two countries have already signed a free trade agreement, and the potential for trade and economic exchanges is enormous. China is willing to share development opportunities with regional countries, including Australia, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly maintain the stability of international industrial and supply chains, reduce global economic risks and uncertainties, and collectively address risks and challenges.

The Australian: Australia is increasingly becoming a base for US forces. We have the US Marine Corps, regular rotations of US bombers, Pine Gap, and there will soon be rotations of US nuclear submarines. What is China's view of these arrangements? Do these arrangements contribute to the stability of the region, or make it more unstable?

Xiao Qian: China does not oppose normal exchanges and activities between any countries, including Australia and the United States. However, such cooperation should play a constructive role in promoting regional and global peace and stability, rather than the opposite. The strengthened military and security ties between the United States and China's neighboring countries, in coordination with its so-called Indo-Pacific Strategy, undermines China's interests and disrupts peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

I would like to emphasize that China has always adhered to an independent and peaceful foreign policy, committed to being a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of international order. The growth of China's defense capabilities is a contribution to global peace. Relevant countries should abandon outdated Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, adopt a correct understanding of China, cease forming exclusive clubs, and avoid actions that harm peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.