Sydney – China’s new ambassador to Australia, Liu Jinsong, arrived in Australia on late Monday to take up his new post, according to the Chinese Embassy in Australia.
In written remarks following his arrival, Liu described Australia as an important country and said he was deeply honoured and aware of the responsibility involved in becoming China’s 16th ambassador to Australia. He likened the appointment to taking over the baton in a relay race.
Liu was welcomed by Chinese Consul General in Sydney Wang Yu, representatives of the Chinese community and Chinese businesses in Australia, as well as Australian officials, the embassy said.
The ambassador has previous experience of Australia, recalling that he first visited the country 30 years ago as a young Chinese diplomat responsible for Asia-Pacific cooperation.
“I did not feel like a stranger,” Liu said, noting similarities between Australia’s vast landscapes and those of his hometown of Xinjiang.
Liu said China and Australia had no historical grievances or fundamental conflicts of interest, while their economies were highly complementary and their cultures had the potential to enrich one another.
He said the prospects for bilateral cooperation were promising, but stressed that managing differences and expectations would also be important.
“I will perform my duties with dedication, listen with an open mind, safeguard China’s national interests, [and] implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries,” Liu said.
He added that he would work as a “guardian and promoter” of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.
Before his appointment to Canberra, Liu served as director general of the Department of Asian Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
