Relations between China and Australia have deteriorated in recent years. Although Xiao Qian, the newly appointed Chinese ambassador to Australia at the end of January this year, has continued to make goodwill since taking office, his request to meet with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (Scott Morrison) was still rejected.
According to VOA, Xiao Qian met with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne about two weeks ago and hopes to meet with Morrison. Past Australian Prime Ministers have met with the new Chinese ambassador to Australia.
But Morrison told a news conference on March 26 that it was inappropriate for him to meet Xiao Qian, China’s new ambassador to Australia, until Beijing lifts the freeze on ministerial exchanges between Australia and China, saying it was a complete success. proportional response.
Australia’s opposition Labour leader Antony Albanese, who is deeply at odds with Mr Morrison on many issues, also said he had no problem with Mr Morrison’s refusal to meet Mr Xiao.
Morrison and Albanese both expressed concern that China could extend its military security hand into Australia’s backyard when a document about China’s military cooperation with the Solomon Islands came to light earlier this week.
“We in the Pacific as a family will respond collectively,” Morrison said, stressing that his government would ensure “a full understanding” of the risks and threats posed by expanding cooperation with China.