Australia raises China’s missile test in meeting with top diplomat Wang Yi
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Australia raised concerns over China's military development and a recent missile test during a meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
- Wang urged Australia to abandon "double standards" and work towards improving bilateral ties based on mutual respect.
- The meeting occurred in Manila on the sidelines of an ASEAN-led gathering.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concerns about China's military development and a recent missile test during a meeting with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The discussion took place in Manila on Tuesday, on the sidelines of an ASEAN-led foreign ministers' gathering.
According to a Chinese foreign ministry release, Wang urged Australia to discard "double standards" and collaborate on maintaining the positive momentum in bilateral relations. He stated that both nations should seek common ground while managing disagreements, fostering a cycle of positive growth rather than allowing prejudice to disrupt their ties. Wang also expressed hope that Australia would adhere to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.
Both sides should seek common ground while managing disagreements and foster a virtuous cycle of positive growth in relations, rather than allowing them to be disrupted or undermined by prejudice.
Wong reiterated Australia's consistent approach toward Beijing, as indicated in opening remarks released by the Australian foreign ministry. The meeting highlighted ongoing tensions and differing perspectives between the two countries, even as they engage in diplomatic dialogue.
He also expressed the hope that Australia would uphold the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and abandon double standards, the foreign ministry said.
Originally published by South China Morning Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.