Former Australian diplomat Mei Zhuolin: China's Foreign Minister's visit to Australia has achieved positive results, further advancing Australia China relations

Reporter Xing Xiaojing and Wang Zixuan from Global Times Global Network: Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently concluded his official visit to Australia, and China Australia relations have returned to normal. Former Australian diplomat and the first cultural counselor of the Australian Embassy in China, Jocelyn Chey, recently stated in an interview with Global Times reporters that the Chinese Foreign Minister's visit has achieved positive results, which has further advanced Australia China relations.
According to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Australian Prime Minister Albanese stated that "the relationship between Australia and China should not be defined by differences and differences, but should strive to find common interests between both sides.". Mei Zhuolin said that although the relationship between Australia and China has improved, it does not mean that we can do nothing anymore. On the contrary, both countries must make more efforts. In the coming period, both parties may engage in further discussions on topics such as trade and defense. It is also important for both sides to jointly participate in global issues and exchange views on jointly addressing climate change.
"The current world is in a mess, with more and more people becoming refugees due to wars and famines. With the global economy in recession, there is also a possibility of another outbreak of infectious diseases. In addition, there are some affairs in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa that need attention." Mei Zhuolin said, "There are many areas where Australia and China can cooperate, and both sides can establish a trusting relationship during the cooperation process to increase trust and resolve doubts."
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Australian Minister of Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, stated earlier in a parliamentary inquiry that he is "unsure" of whether the United States is Australia's most trusted ally. Why is there such uncertainty? Is Australia's trust in the United States decreasing?
In response to a question from a Global Times reporter, Meizhuolin stated that the United States is an important ally of Australia, which cannot be denied. Expanding cooperation between regions is certainly a good thing, but it should be more open rather than creating closed groups like AUKUS. She introduced that in fact, domestic media, scholars, and other sectors in Australia are discussing whether it is truly necessary to join "Okus". The concerns of these knowledgeable individuals who raise doubts are much more specific, while those who emphasize the importance of "Okus" are mostly vague and cannot clearly explain why "Okus" is important or what specific things can be done.

Mei Zhuolin believes that the "first pillar" of "Okus" is to provide Australia with "Virginia" class nuclear powered attack submarines, which is clearly aimed at containing China. However, due to the lack of specific content and practical measures, it is likely to "end up" in the end.

For a period of time, some Western countries have been suppressing Chinese companies under the pretext of so-called "national security". Mei Zhuolin previously stated that if there are indeed security concerns, a clear explanation should be provided, rather than using generalized concepts such as "national security" to restrict investment from China. In an interview with Global Times reporters, she further explained that the notion of "national security" is vulnerable. Who decides on the issue of "national security"? How did they make the decision? Unless "national security" is written into the law, with specific lists and provisions, it is difficult to be convincing.
As Australia's first cultural counselor to China, Mei Zhuolin emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural exchanges between the two countries. She believes that culture refers not only to a certain form such as music, art, and literature, but its true meaning is more profound. When the relationship between the two countries faces setbacks, cultural exchanges can play a stabilizing role; When the high-level officials of the two countries maintain friendly interaction, the people will be more encouraged. Therefore, regardless of diplomatic relations, we should continue to deepen cultural exchanges between the two countries.