There could be no one more qualified to speak about Australian perspectives on China than the country's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
In his first trip to China in the capacity of Australian prime minister, this country, however, is no stranger to him. Rudd served in China as a member of Australia's Foreign Service.
He is a scholar of Chinese history. He speaks Chinese fluently. When he became prime minister, Australia had as its head of government a Chinese expert unrivaled in other world capitals.
Though his country historically has had a strong relationship with the United States, Rudd has vowed to seek to rebalance this with a deepening partnership with Asian neighbors including China and India.
Australia has now had diplomatic relations with China for 36 years. What began as a narrow relationship, interspersed with the occasional shipment of Australian wheat, has now broadened into an economic relationship, which as of today makes China, Australia's largest trading partner.
The economic potential of the bilateral relations is great.
His knowledge of this country has made Rudd a more unbiased and constructive observer: China has achieved great things for its people over the last 30 years, lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty. The opening of its market, together with China's continued high levels of economic growth, has also helped bring further prosperity to the world.
A positive partnership between the two countries that strengthens the international order and that makes these achievements possible would benefit us all.
Rudd has claimed to be an optimist, that together with vision, energy, and commitment, we can truly shape a Pacific Century.
Australia has, what Rudd describes, as an engaged, creative, middle power diplomacy.
The Asia Pacific Region is the third pillar of Australia's foreign policy, after the US and the United Nations.
Australian attitudes toward Asia in general, and China in particular, have dramatically matured in recent years. Awareness is growing of the importance of China in the region and of nurturing a healthy China-Australia dialogue.
The annual strategic dialogue between the two countries, with the first in Canberra in February, should add more important dimensions to the bilateral relations.
We hope his excellent command of Chinese will help avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments when the two countries interact.
(China Daily April 9, 2008)
