Thirty-five years of diplomatic relations

Our positive and successful relationship with China has enriched our cultural engagement and development. Sister city relationships with Beijing, Guangzhou and Tianjin have attracted exchange programs between university students and many overseas students come from China to study in Australian institutions.

Chinese New Year has become an annual festival for all Australians with daily Cantonese and Mandarin radio and television programming on SBS, accommodating both new arrivals from China as well as third and fourth generation Chinese-Australians.

As an Chinese-Australian, it is important for us to maintain and improve political, economic and cultural relations between the two nations. We have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to contribute to the development and growth of a 35-year diplomatic relationship. It is also important for the younger and next generation to maintain their heritage links with China, knowing that the sacrifices made by their ancestors are not forgotten.

As both nations celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations, we must not forget the contribution made by our forefathers from China in the early 19th century. It is their dedication and sacrifice that has built a solid foundation to our success today.