Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Our relationship with China is important, and it is consequential. A stable relationship between us doesn't just happen; it needs ongoing work to advance our interests and to manage our differences. I was pleased to welcome foreign minister Wang Yi to Australia, the most senior visitor from China since 2017. We agreed to continue our constructive engagements on a range of issues, including education, defence and trade, and to expand climate and energy cooperation. I welcomed the progress of the removal of trade impediments and reiterated our desire for the removal of remaining impediments.

I reiterated Australia's shock at the sentencing of Dr Yang Jun and a range of other concerns, including the human rights of Uighurs, Tibetans and other minorities across China. I also expressed our deep concerns that Hong Kong's new legislation will further erode rights and freedoms, with potential impacts on individuals in Australia. Australians expect their government to pursue a mature and productive relationship in both countries' interests, and the Prime Minister looks forward to welcoming— (Time expired)