By The South Asia Times

BEIJING - China and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation, as both sides navigate a rapidly changing and uncertain global landscape.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong co-chaired the eighth China-Australia Foreign and Strategic Dialogue in Beijing on Wednesday, where officials emphasized the importance of maintaining steady engagement despite differences.

Wang said recent high-level exchanges between Xi Jinping and Anthony Albanese had helped stabilize ties, adding that both countries should build on this momentum through increased communication, mutual trust, and practical cooperation. He stressed that the current global environment is marked by rising uncertainty and instability, making collaboration between Beijing and Canberra more important for regional and global stability.

China called for expanded cooperation in trade, energy, and people-to-people exchanges, while urging Australia to ensure the safety and rights of Chinese nationals. Wang also defended Beijing’s engagement with Pacific Island nations, saying it is based on mutual respect and not aimed at any third party.

Highlighting broader geopolitical challenges, Wang warned against the rise of unilateralism and emphasized China’s support for multilateralism and the United Nations-led international system. He also reiterated Beijing’s firm stance on the Taiwan issue, stressing opposition to any form of independence.

Wong, on her third visit to China as foreign minister, described a “stable and constructive relationship” with Beijing as being in Australia’s national interest. She said Canberra’s approach is to cooperate where possible, disagree where necessary, and maintain open dialogue.

The Australian minister noted that her meeting with Wang was their 11th, reflecting ongoing engagement between the two countries. She identified areas of potential cooperation, including energy, trade, tourism, and education, while also raising concerns on issues such as detained Australians, regional security, and human rights.

Wong highlighted the importance of educational and cultural ties, noting that thousands of Australian students have studied in China under the New Colombo Plan, with scholarship numbers set to increase in 2026.

Both sides also discussed global challenges, including the impact of Middle East tensions on energy markets. Officials agreed that continued dialogue and cooperation would be essential to ensuring stability, secure supply chains, and sustained economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region.