NSW Premier Chris Minns says he is committed to a “productive and stable relationship” with China as the country’s top diplomat continues his landmark visit.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi travelled to Sydney on Thursday following landmark talks with Foreign Affairs Ministers Penny Wong earlier in the week.
The visit is the first of its kind by a Chinese foreign minister in seven years and marks a significant thaw in relations with the world’s second largest economy.
While conversations took place behind closed doors, Mr Minns said the state was committed to fostering good relations with China.
“It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Wang Yi, the Foreign Minister of China to NSW parliament today,” he said.
“China is NSW’s largest two-way goods trading partner, valued at $56.9 billion in 2022-23, an increase of 13.5 per cent on the previous year.
“NSW is committed to fostering a productive and stable relationship with China.”
Ms Wong likewise spoke warmly of her own talks with Mr Wang on Wednesday, stating she “welcomed the progress” towards removing trade impediments.
Australia’s foreign minister said the pair exchanged “frank views” during talks, including around the death sentence imposed on Australian writer Dr Yang Hengjun.
The arrival of Mr Wang in Australia has not been without controversy though, including a short meeting between the diplomat and former prime minister Paul Keating.
Mr Keating said the pair had a pleasant discussion about geostrategic balances and influences in the world.
“The Foreign Minister was very positive about putting bilateral difficulties behind us as he was encouraged by the government’s efforts in restoring appropriate equilibrium between our two countries,” he said.
“Minister Wang Yi emphasised China’s ability to keep on growing and strongly, pointing out that China was still only 55 per cent urbanised – another 20 per cent to go.
“He said the world would still benefit from China’s ability to supply high quality relatively low priced goods which would help underwrite higher living standards in the West and other regions of the world.”
Dozens of protesters from Falun Dafa, a religious movement opposed to the Chinese Communist Party, where also seen gathered outside NSW parliament on Thursday.