Australia’s relationship with China can improve “one step at a time” through open dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and stronger people-to-people connections, according to Chinese Consul General in Brisbane, Dr. Ruan Zongze.
Speaking at the University of Southern Queensland, Dr. Ruan outlined China’s perspective on global affairs and the bilateral relationship with Australia. He reflected on the defeat of fascism 80 years ago, noting China’s significant role, and argued that the world now stands at a crossroads between peace and war, openness and division, and “win–win” cooperation versus zero-sum competition.
On trade tensions with the United States, including former President Donald Trump’s tariff measures, Dr. Ruan said China “will never accept the tariff war” and continues to uphold open economies and resilient supply chains. He stressed the importance of a multilateral approach, such as through the World Trade Organization, to ensure fairness rather than hegemony.
Addressing Taiwan, Dr. Ruan cited United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and reaffirmed Beijing’s clear and unwavering position on reunification. He described peaceful development as a constitutional commitment of China, emphasising its “no first use” nuclear policy and ambitions to move from “Made in China” to “Created in China.”
A recurring theme in the Consul General’s remarks was the “common shared future for humanity,” highlighting China’s achievements in lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty while acknowledging the country’s continuing challenges. He argued that leadership matters in delivering a better life for people worldwide.
In response to a question about BRICS, Dr. Ruan described the group as a representative of the Global South, offering opportunities for developing nations to empower themselves. He rejected the notion that BRICS is a challenge to the G7, instead framing it as a platform for cooperation among nations with “unlimited potential” in people, resources, and capacity.
Dr. Ruan was critical of U.S. global conduct, calling it the world’s only hegemon, and pledged that China would not follow that example.
The Consul General placed strong emphasis on people-to-people connections, noting the friendships and cultural understanding gained by Chinese students in Australia, and encouraging more Australians to visit China – including Xinjiang – for study or tourism. He highlighted China’s recent introduction of short-term visa-free travel for Australian visitors.
The event, supported by the National Foundation for Australia–China Relations, offered a rare opportunity to hear China’s perspective first-hand.
“It’s not often we get to hear directly from Chinese representatives,” one attendee said. “The more dialogue and people-to-people connections we have, the better off both countries will be.”
Improving Australia–China Relations: Consul General Urges Dialogue and Cooperation
Chinese Consul General Dr. Ruan Zongze outlines Beijing’s perspective on trade, Taiwan, BRICS, and people-to-people ties during a visit to the University of Southern Queensland.
At the University of Southern Queensland, Chinese Consul General Dr. Ruan Zongze called for steady, step-by-step improvements in Australia–China relations, emphasising dialogue, multilateralism, and cultural exchange. He reiterated Beijing’s positions on trade, Taiwan, and nuclear policy, and encouraged more Australians to visit China, including Xinjiang, to foster mutual understanding.