China ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian wants Australian-Chinese relationship to get back on track

China’s ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian has sent a clear message to Australia to cut the criticism over Beijing’s military drills near Taiwan, as he calls for the Australian-Chinese relationship to get “back on the right track”.

Mr Xiao addressed the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday and said the change in government in Australia was an opportunity for a “reset” of the relationship between the two countries.

His speech came amid escalating tensions in Taiwan after Australia joined the US and Japan in condemning Beijing’s military drills in the region following a visit from US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last week.

“This is a serious violation of the One-China principle... it has a serious impact on the political impact of China-US relations and seriously infringes upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Mr Xiao said.

“It gravely undermines peace and stability across the Strait... China and Australia, we’re different in many aspects in history, in culture, in religion, in development stage and in political system.”

The Chinese ambassador, who was appointed to his diplomatic post in Canberra in January, said China was prepared to use “all necessary means” in relation to Taiwan, warning there was “no room for compromise” to protect its sovereignty.

“We can never rule out the option to use other means so when necessary, when compelled, we are ready to use all necessary means. As to what does it mean “all necessary means”? You can use your imagination,” he said.

“We will never allow Taiwan to be separated from China.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles pushed for a de-escalation of tensions in the region, while Opposition Leader Peter Dutton warned China could escalate its attacks at “any stage” and as soon as “tomorrow”.

Since Ms Pelosi’s visit, Beijing started a series of military drills, including launching 11 ballistic missiles and air and maritime exercises that are causing issues on trade routes.

China has indicated these exercises will continue “indefinitely”.

Mr Xiao said there were “a lot of issues on the table and many disputes to be solved” between Canberra and Beijing.

“It’s very important for both sides to make further efforts to keep the momentum, take actions for substantial progress and to strive to bring our bilateral relations back on the right track,” Mr Xiao said.

“Our policy is for friendly cooperation with Australia. We’re ready to work together with Australia’s new government to put this relationship back on the right track.

“I think it’s been very hopeful... to take positive policies and concrete actions and in this process, the issues on the table will be gradually solved.”

He indicated the Chinese Government was ready to resolve the sanctions dispute as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations — revealing trade last year was valued at US$207 billion.

He went on to say China accounted for about 34 per cent of Australia’s total exports and imports in 2021, especially through the shipments of iron ore in WA.

One in four jobs in State rely on China with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in May urging Beijing to lift trade tariffs on Australia.

China put tariffs and restrictions on $20 billion worth of Australian exports in 2020 after the Morrison Government called for an international inquiry into the origins of COVID-19.

“We’re ready to sort it out and solve this dispute through the World Trade Organisation with the Labor Government,” he said.

“If the new government in this country is ready to discuss it... it’s OK, we’re ready to talk about these things.

“(The Chinese) became cautious and some of them tried to find alternatives, like, you know, investing in Latin America or in Africa. As ambassador in this country, I’d love to have more investment from China in Australia.”

Mr Xiao said China was not planning on establishing a military base in the Pacific, after it signed a security deal with the Solomon Islands.

“China came to the Solomon Islands upon request of the government of that country and... there’s no reason for us to refuse to help,” the ambassador said.

“But the purpose is help them to stabilise, to prosper, and to improve. There is no intention for China to set up the so-called military base in Solomon Islands and the leader of the country have stated similar thing.”

He also reflected on recent allegations that a Chinese fighter jet carried out a “dangerous” manoeuvre by cutting in front of an Australian surveillance plane in May — describing the incident as “very unfortunate”.