Speeches
Monday, 25 November 2024
Reception for 14th Australia-China Youth Dialogue
I am delighted to welcome you to Government House, particularly those who have travelled from overseas and interstate, on the occasion of the 14th Australia-China Youth Dialogue.
I trust the three and a half days you have spent together have been productive. One-on-one discussions such as these between young leaders are essential if we are to deepen ties between Australia and the People’s Republic of China and forge mutually beneficial relationships.
In an earlier role as Australia’s Ambassador to China, I was delighted to speak to the Australia-China Youth Dialogue via video on your 4th anniversary, having met the participants in the 3rd Dialogue in Beijing. And, as DFAT Secretary, I contributed a message to mark your 10th anniversary.
From my interactions, then and now, I believe the Dialogue has a vital role to play in fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
It is a valuable initiative which enables young Australians and Chinese to meet in the spirit of open academic inquiry and international friendship and continue to deepen their understanding of each other’s countries and cultures.
Your topics spanning geopolitics, trade and investment, education, energy, and sustainability are those that speak to the prosperity and long-term aspirations of both our nations.
I won’t reiterate some of the trends and issues that you would have discussed with expert presenters over the past few days; without, as Governors do not, entering into any political commentary, it can nonetheless readily be observed that all Australian governments have and do deeply value the relationship with China, our largest two-way trading partner.
On one level, that relationship is enhanced by our hosting International students from China and our greater understanding of culture through festivals such as the Oz Asia and through panda diplomacy.
I think you will all be aware that Wang Wang and Funi, after delighting us at the Adelaide Zoo for the past 15 years, recently returned to China. We eagerly await a new panda pair, Xing Qiu and Yi Lan and hope they might breed.
The relationship is also, of course, enhanced by our economic ties.
During my term as Ambassador, I was struck by the number of times leading Chinese investors in Australia told me how much they valued our stable and transparent business and investment environment.
While our relationship was somewhat strained during and post COVID, it is pleasing that trade has recently resumed for our wine, lobsters, and beef.
As a group of young professionals in a diverse range of occupations, you have a significant role in strengthening and deepening Australia’s relationship with China.
You have the capacity to shape what’s ahead.
The importance of doing so is perhaps self-evident. As relationships in the region shift, it is important that we know each other and know each other well.
Your Dialogue provides a firm basis for considering how best to develop the knowledge we need and an opportunity to learn, understand, and then respond to the challenges before both nations.
Deep knowledge of a country reduces the risk of strategic miscalculation. Knowledge allows us to orient our relationship effectively towards positive outcomes, even at times of disagreement.
As Ambassador, I travelled widely in China and found the nation fascinating. I encourage more Australians to visit and engage more deeply with the people.
By learning Mandarin I could engage more deeply with the culture and demonstrate my respect for the Chinese people.
And it is those people-to-people ties that provide depth and impetus to the Australia- China relationship.
A relationship that is enhanced through the Australia China Youth Dialogue.
Friends
After the formalities, please feel free to explore the public rooms at Government House.
Here, Rod and I hope to tell the wider story of South Australia:
- The Ediacaran fossils with their half a billion year old history.
- The art and artefacts of the First Australians, custodians of this country for more than 60,000 years who now share it with more recent Australians whose ancestors, or who themselves, came from Europe and Asia and many other lands.
- The Kings and Queens representing our Constitutional Monarchy.
- We welcome tens of thousands of guests to Government House or our grounds each year, reflecting the diversity of our population and the openness of our system of government.
Again, congratulations on taking part in the Dialogue in Adelaide.
I thank the Australia China Youth Dialogue board, staff, and supporters for their contributions to the Dialogue.
I encourage you all to stay connected and contribute to enhancing Australia-China relations throughout your lives.