50 years of Australia-China relations

Gough Whitlam’s Labor government established formal relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in December 1972. To reflect on how relations have fared in the 50 years since this historic event, and where they may be heading, the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS:ACRI) will welcome current and former ambassadors from both nations to mark the occasion.

Gough Whitlam’s Labor government established formal relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in December 1972. To reflect on how relations have fared in the 50 years since this historic event, and where they may be heading, the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS:ACRI) will welcome current and former ambassadors from both nations to mark the occasion:

- His Excellency Mr Graham Fletcher, Ambassador of Australia to the People’s Republic of China

- Dr Stephen FitzGerald AO, former Ambassador of Australia to the People’s Republic of China (1973-1976)

- Her Excellency Madame FU Ying, former Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Australia (2004-2007); Vice-Chairperson, the Foreign Affairs Committee of China’s 13th National People’s Congress (2018-2023)

- His Excellency Mr XIAO Qian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Australia

Ambassador Graham Fletcher and Ambassador Xiao Qian will provide opening remarks, before Madame Fu Ying and Dr Stephen FitzGerald deliver their addresses. Madame Fu and Dr FitzGerald will then be joined in conversation by UTS:ACRI Director Professor James Laurenceson. This will be followed by a moderated Q&A from pre-submitted questions to Madame Fu and Dr FitzGerald from registered attendees. Questions can be submitted via the registration page.