“Diplomatic Youth Speak” taken between China and Australia

On April 17, 2025, the Consulate General of China in Perth, in collaboration with the Western Australia Branch of the Australian Institute of International Studies, held a symposium titled “Diplomatic Youth Speak”, focusing on the topic of “Chinese-style Modernization and the World” for discussion. Consul General Long Dingbin in Perth attended and delivered a speech, emphasizing that China will continue to advance its modernization with Chinese characteristics and work hand in hand with other countries to create a bright future. The prospects for China-Australia cooperation are broad, and he hopes that the youth of the two countries will contribute to the development of China-Australia relations. Consul General Long Dingbin in Perth, Deputy Director Chuan Te of the Western Australia Office of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Secretary-General Bodevis of the Western Australia Branch of the Australian Institute of International Studies, and 30 young scholars attended the meeting. The young representatives of the Consulate General respectively shared their insights on building a community with a shared future for mankind, Chinese-style modernization, and cultural exchanges between China and Australia. Conduct discussions centered on “Chinese-style Modernization and the World”.

Consul General Long introduced the spirit of the Two Sessions, the Central Conference on Peripheral Work and the Conference on Diplomatic Envoys Abroad, stating that China will continue to advance modernization with Chinese characteristics and work hand in hand with other countries to create a bright future. Tariff wars and trade wars have no winners, and protectionism has no way out. The prospects for China-Australia cooperation are broad. It is hoped that the youth of the two countries will contribute to the development of China-Australia relations. Bodevis said that the relations between Australia and China are extensive and profound. The youth of the two countries should enhance exchanges and write a new chapter of friendship between Australia and China.

At this “Diplomatic Youth Speak” symposium, representatives from all sides shared their views and jointly contributed their wisdom to the development of China-Australia relations, youth exchanges, and the exploration of Chinese-style modernization and world relations.

China continues to promote Chinese-style modernization and international cooperation: China will unswervingly advance Chinese-style modernization, uphold the concept of openness and cooperation, and actively join hands with other countries around the world to jointly create a bright future. This reflects China’s responsibility and willingness to cooperate on the international stage and contributes Chinese strength to global development.

Opposing trade protectionism: Tariff wars and trade wars are of no benefit to all parties. Protectionism cannot provide a way out for national development and the positive interaction of international relations. We call on all countries to abandon trade protectionism and return to the right track of win-win cooperation to promote the healthy development of the global economy.

The prospects for China-Australia cooperation are broad: The relationship between Australia and China is extensive and in-depth, and there is huge potential for cooperation in many fields. The two countries should enhance all-round cooperation, join hands to explore more cooperation opportunities, achieve common development, and bring benefits to the people of both countries.

Young people should contribute to the development of China-Australia relations: The youth of the two countries shoulder the important mission of promoting the development of China-Australia relations. They need to enhance exchanges and interactions, actively participate in the construction of bilateral relations on the basis of enhancing mutual understanding, contribute to the cause of China-Australia friendship, and write a brand-new chapter of friendship between the two countries.

Building a community with a Shared future for mankind and China-Australia Cooperation: Centering on the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, this paper explores how China and Australia can carry out more in-depth mutually beneficial cooperation under this grand framework, covering multiple fields such as politics, economy and culture, providing more forward-looking and overall ideas for cooperation between the two countries.

The Connotation and Impact of Chinese-style Modernization: A thorough analysis of the rich connotations of Chinese-style modernization and its influence on the world development pattern will enable Australian youth to better understand China’s development path and lay a cognitive foundation for exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia in the process of modernization.

The significance and development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Australia: It emphasizes the significant role of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries in enhancing the feelings between the people of the two countries and promoting mutual understanding. It also discusses how to further promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, such as cooperation in education, culture, tourism and other fields, to enrich the connotation of China-Australia relations.

This meeting has brought great benefits to both China and Australia:

It provides a direct communication platform for young people from China and Australia, enabling them to share each other’s viewpoints, experiences and ideas and enhance mutual understanding. This kind of interaction among young people helps to eliminate misunderstandings and enhance friendship, laying a solid public opinion foundation for the long-term development of China-Australia relations.

The discussion centered on the theme of “Chinese-style Modernization and the World” has prompted young scholars from both countries to deeply reflect on the impact of China’s development on the world and the cooperation opportunities between China and Australia in the global landscape. The exchange and collision of different perspectives and viewpoints are conducive to stimulating innovative thinking and expanding the depth and breadth of academic research.

Consul General Long introduced the spirit of the Two Sessions, the Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries and the Conference on Work for Overseas Envoys at the symposium. He also presented China’s determination to advance modernization with Chinese characteristics and its vision of working hand in hand with other countries to create a bright future. This enabled Australian youth to better understand China’s development path and foreign policy, and reduce misunderstandings and prejudices against China. Create an external public opinion environment conducive to China’s development.

Contribute to the development of China-Australia relations

Emphasizing the broad prospects of China-Australia cooperation and encouraging the youth of the two countries to contribute to the development of bilateral relations will help guide the youth of the two countries to actively participate in friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia, promote practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields such as economy and trade, culture and education, and further consolidate and enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia.

The current world situation presents such characteristics as the irreversible multi-polarization of the world, the development of economic globalization amid twists and turns, the still existence of geopolitical conflicts, the rise of trade protectionism, and fierce technological competition. Against this backdrop, the “Diplomatic Youth Speak” symposium of the Consulate General in Perth reflects the following points:

China actively promotes international cooperation and development: China emphasizes continuing to advance modernization with Chinese characteristics and is willing to join hands with other countries to create a bright future. This reflects China’s determination as an important force in a multi-polar world to actively assume international responsibilities and promote global development. It also reflects China’s advocacy of inclusive globalization and its commitment to providing Chinese solutions to the challenges faced by economic globalization.

Opposing trade protectionism and advocating free trade: The meeting pointed out that there are no winners in tariff wars and trade wars, and protectionism has no way out. This contrasts with the current global trend of rising trade protectionism, reflecting that young people from China and Australia are willing to jointly resist trade protectionism, safeguard free trade and the multilateral trading system, and promote the stable development of the global economy.

China-Australia cooperation is of great significance and broad prospects: The relations between Australia and China are extensive and profound. Under the current global economic situation, the cooperation between the two countries in economy, trade, culture and other fields is of great significance to the stability and development of both sides and even the global economy. The meeting emphasized that the prospects for cooperation between the two countries are broad, which is conducive to guiding the youth of the two countries to actively participate in bilateral cooperation and contribute to addressing global challenges.

The role of young people in promoting the development of international relations is becoming increasingly important: The symposium provided a communication platform for young people from China and Australia, encouraging them to contribute to the development of China-Australia relations. It reflects that in today’s complex and volatile world situation, young people, as an emerging force, play an irreplaceable role in promoting people-to-people exchanges, enhancing mutual understanding and promoting international cooperation, which will inject new vitality into building more stable and harmonious international relations.

As it shown nowadays, to better cooperate. China and Australia can enhance cooperation in the following aspects in the future:

Traditional economic and trade cooperation between Australia and China has been robust and continues to flourish. Australia consistently exports bulk commodities such as iron ore and coal, which are essential for China’s rapid industrialization and infrastructure development. Additionally, Australia also ships a wide range of agricultural products, including wheat, barley, and livestock, to meet China’s growing demand for food and agricultural resources. In return, China exports a diverse array of manufactured goods to Australia, ranging from electronics and machinery to textiles and toys, catering to the needs of Australia’s consumers and businesses. Both countries recognize the immense potential in further strengthening this economic partnership. By taking advantage of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, they aim to reduce trade costs, streamline customs procedures, and expand the scale of trade, thereby fostering deeper economic integration and mutual prosperity.

In the context of the rapidly evolving global economy, it is imperative to strengthen investment cooperation in emerging industries such as finance, digital infrastructure, healthcare, and e-commerce. This strategic move aims to foster a collaborative environment where businesses can thrive and innovate. Jointly carrying out cross-border e-commerce cooperation can open up new avenues for growth and create a more interconnected global market. To ensure smooth operations and to build trust among international partners, it is crucial to improve relevant legal rules and regulations that govern these transactions. By doing so, China and Australia can create a secure and transparent framework that protects consumers and businesses alike. Furthermore, expanding the scope of e-commerce application fields can lead to the development of new products and services, catering to a wider audience and tapping into previously unexplored markets. This holistic approach to industry cooperation not only drives economic growth but also promotes technological advancement and cultural exchange on a global scale.

In the realm of scientific inquiry and technological advancement, there exists a significant opportunity for collaboration between the academic and research communities of China and Australia. Specifically, in areas such as energy and resources, where sustainable development is paramount, both nations can leverage their expertise to explore innovative solutions. Similarly, in the cutting-edge domain of advanced materials and manufacturing, there is potential for groundbreaking advancements that could reshape industries. The fields of health and medicine are also ripe for cooperation, with the promise of improving healthcare outcomes through shared research efforts. Environmental science, an area of mutual concern due to global climate challenges, presents another avenue for joint projects aimed at preserving our planet. Lastly, agriculture, a sector vital to food security and sustainability, can benefit greatly from collaborative research that enhances productivity and resilience. By establishing more cooperative entities, such as joint research centers or labs, universities and research institutions from both countries can pool their resources and knowledge. This partnership can lead to the initiation of diverse research projects that not only expand the frontiers of science but also expedite the translation of scientific discoveries into tangible industrial applications, thereby fostering economic growth and societal well-being on both sides of the globe.

Continue to engage in collaborative efforts in the realm of Antarctic scientific research and logistical support, fostering a spirit of cooperation that transcends borders. Jointly, the two countries aim to advance significant scientific research projects, such as the ambitious “Square Kilometer Array” astronomical telescope initiative. This cutting-edge project seeks to unlock the mysteries of the universe by creating the largest and most sensitive radio telescope ever conceived, harnessing the unique conditions of the Antarctic environment.

Expand the horizons of academic education through a variety of cooperative endeavors. Envision dual academic programs that bridge Australia and China, fostering cultural exchange and academic enrichment. Strengthen the connection between further education institutions in China and Australia, promoting a seamless transition for students seeking to continue their studies abroad. Additionally, enhance cooperation in the field of vocational education, aiming for resource sharing and collaborative talent development. This partnership aims to equip students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to thrive in a globalized workforce, ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow is prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving economy.

To further strengthen cultural and artistic exchange activities between the two countries, it is proposed to hold cultural exhibitions, art performances, and various other cultural events for each other. These initiatives aim to promote tourism cooperation, encouraging a greater number of tourists to travel to each other’s countries. This, in turn, will enhance people-to-people connectivity and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures and traditions.

Australia has the opportunity to enhance cooperation with China in the realm of clean technologies and green products. Both nations possess strong potential for complementarity in the green economy sector. By joining forces, they can collaboratively promote the decarbonization process across the entire supply chain. This partnership could play a pivotal role in achieving the emission reduction targets that both countries have committed to in the Paris Agreement, thereby contributing to global efforts in combating climate change.

The cooperation between China and Australia has important influences in many aspects

For the economies of the two countries: China has been Australia’s largest trading partner, export market and source of imports for many consecutive years, and the bilateral trade volume has been continuously increasing. Australia’s exports of iron ore, agricultural products, etc. to China have brought it a large amount of foreign exchange earnings, enhanced the stability of the Australian currency, and driven employment in related industries. China also imports high-quality products from Australia to meet domestic demands. Meanwhile, the two sides have huge potential for cooperation in emerging industries such as finance and digital economy, which will add new impetus to the economic development of the two countries.

Regarding bilateral relations: Economic and trade cooperation is the “ballast stone” and “propeller” of China-Australia relations. The continuous deepening of cooperation can enhance mutual understanding and trust between the two countries, provide a favorable atmosphere and foundation for resolving differences and problems in other fields, and promote the steady and long-term development of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.

For regional stability: As important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, close cooperation between China and Australia helps promote peace and stability in the Asian region, creates a favorable environment for regional economic development, provides a model for cooperation among regional countries, and promotes the continuous deepening of regional cooperation.

For the global economy: China and Australia occupy important positions in the global industrial and supply chains. The cooperation between the two sides is conducive to maintaining the stability and smoothness of the global industrial and supply chains and injecting positive energy into global economic growth. Against the backdrop of the current sluggish world economic growth and the prevalence of unilateral protectionism, the positive significance of such cooperation is even more prominent.

By Zhang Letian