China-Aussie.jpg (Photo : Reuters)
China's state-based Xinhua News Agency has released a photo book to celebrate the relations the country has had with Australia for more than 60 years.
"National Memories: Where China-Australia Story Began," which is filled with pictures depicting China-Australia ties, comes ahead of the scheduled visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Australia next week for the G20 Leaders summit.
The launch also coincides with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott's current tour of Beijing for the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, which is also being attended by other leaders of APEC member countries.
The photos featured in the book were previously displayed at an exhibit in Sydney in September. They portray the political, cultural, scientific, artists, education and sporting traditions the two countries have shared since the 1950s, when their ties were in their infancy, according to Global Post.
The photo chronicle begins with different Australian deputations visiting China in the early 1950s, and then progresses to such important times as the visit to China by Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1973, the first time an Australian prime minister paid a visit to the country.
The photos are proof that even as the two countries vary greatly in their cultures and traditions, they can improve and flourish through communications, trading and interactions, said Ma Zhaouxu, China's Ambassador to Australia.
"China-Australia tie has established mutual trust and mutual beneficial strategic partnership. This year, the relationship between China and Australia has improved positively. Under the efforts of both governments and their citizens, China-Australia cooperation will have a bright future ahead," Ma said.
