Peking University, DEC, 18, 2013: China-Australia High-Level Talks has been successfully held recently, which was supported by both Peking University and La Trobe University, Australia. The aim of this talk was to promote the friendly relationship between China and Australia, and to provide an interactive platform for policy makers, leaders of business and academic fields. About 30 guests from both sides attended the talk. Wang Yongzhang, vice chairman of Chinese Culture Association, Yu Hongyu, PKU council vice chairman, and John Deva, president of La Trobe University, delivered their speeches on the opening ceremony.

Wang Yongzhang gave his speech first. He pointed out that there could be many potential fields for cooperation, including education, tourism, and culture industry. After Wang’s speech, Yu Hongyan said the universities would play an important role in promoting the social development. In that case, he hoped that both the universities could provide good solutions for the development of both countries. In addition to Yu’s speech, Deva also said that the relationship between these two counties should not be limited to the cooperation of economics or diplomacy, instead, cultural industry could also be a part of the coordination process.

Through the talk, attendees discussed topics including economics, culture and innovation industry. Many speakers expressed their points of view and the discussion was friendly and heated. They thought that the cooperation between China and Australia could be significant and influential especially in the Asia-Pacific area. These two countries were highly complementary in many fields. Chinese culture had its fluidity and openness, so the cooperation and development should be based on mutual consent. The speakers also shared many suggestions and ideas regarding the New Colombo Plan conducted by Australia government and the idea to establish a China-Australia free trade zone.

At the closing ceremony, Australian Embassy Minister Justin Hayhurst, PKU Vice President Gao Song, and La Trobe University President John Deva gave their speeches. They thought highly of influence of this talk and delivered best wishes to the cooperation of Peking University and La Trobe University as well as the relationship between China and Australia.

Written by: Zhang Chao
Edited by: Qian Xin

Source: Office of International Relations