Australian PM's article marks 40 years Sino-Aussie relations

The Australian newspaper published on Wednesday an article under the name of Prime Minister Julia Gillard, in which she vowed to further promote relations with China.

The article, titled "We'll follow Whitlam's way on China," is believed to be part of the Australian government's efforts to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and its largest trading partner.

The article said that Australia's relations with China have grown in a way "that could hardly have been imagined 40 years ago, just as China's own extraordinary development could hardly have been imagined."

"Trade levels have increased a thousandfold. Investment has skyrocketed. Tens of thousands of Chinese now visit or study in Australia each year."

In the article, Gillard said Australia is committed to crafting stronger co-operative government-to-government links with China, building a stronger bilateral architecture to better coordinate the breadth of Australia's contemporary relationship with China and developing a comprehensive country strategy that gives greater clarity and ambition to this bilateral relationship.

Looking back at the decision to establish diplomatic relations with China 40 years ago, Gillard said, "I will reflect that what were very controversial decisions to connect our nation with Asia have become the national consensus today."

The governments of Australia and China issued a joint communique in Paris on Dec. 21, 1972 to formally knot the diplomatic tie. "By recognising China, the Labor government of prime minister Gough Whitlam permanently reshaped Australian diplomacy and created the opportunity for a permanent reshaping of the Australian economy and our national life," Gillard wrote in the article.

"I am confident that in the coming century of growth and change in our region, we will put common sense ahead of controversy."

Gillard held talks on Wednesday with visiting Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong. She is also expected to host a banquet later Wednesday in the Great Hall of Parliament House to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China.