CANBERRA — China’s newly appointed Ambassador to Australia, Liu Jinsong, has formally taken up his diplomatic duties after presenting his credentials to Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Government House in Canberra.
The credentials ceremony on September 16 marked an important step in Ambassador Liu’s commencement of his tenure as China’s 16th ambassador to Australia, at a time when Canberra and Beijing continue efforts to strengthen bilateral engagement and expand cooperation.
During a cordial and friendly meeting, Ambassador Liu conveyed the greetings of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Governor-General Mostyn. He said he was honoured to serve as China’s ambassador to Australia and pledged to fulfil his responsibilities, listen and learn, build friendships and work to implement the understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries.
Liu said he would work to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia.
Governor-General Mostyn asked Ambassador Liu to convey her greetings to President Xi. She also expressed her condolences to China following a mudslide in Gyirong, Xizang, and thanked the Chinese authorities for their efforts in the search and rescue of Australian personnel reported missing in the incident.
The Governor-General reflected on her visit to China four decades ago and spoke positively about the country’s development and progress, as well as the advancement of relations between Australia and China.
Mostyn assured Ambassador Liu that the Australian side would provide facilitation and support as he carried out his diplomatic responsibilities. She also encouraged him to travel across Australia and visit different parts of the country.
The meeting also included a more informal exchange, with the Governor-General and the ambassador discussing a range of topics, including sport.
Following the presentation of credentials, Ambassador Liu inspected the Guard of Honour and the band under the command of the Guard Commander.
Senior Australian and Chinese officials attended the ceremony, including DFAT Deputy Secretary Elly Lawson, Chinese Minister Li Fanjie, Defence Attaché Qiu Xuqiang and Embassy Counsellor Gao Rui.
Ambassador Liu arrived in Australia on August 24 to begin his new assignment. On August 25, he formally presented a copy of his credentials to Elly Lawson, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The appointment comes as Australia and China continue to manage a relationship that encompasses extensive trade and economic ties alongside differences on a range of regional and international issues. In recent years, the two governments have sought greater high-level engagement and dialogue, making diplomatic representation in both capitals an important channel for maintaining communication and advancing areas of mutual interest.
