After establishing diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1972, Australia established an embassy in Beijing in 1973.
The Australia-China bilateral relationship is based on strong economic and trade complementarities and longstanding community and cultural links.
In 2014, the Australian Prime Minister and Chinese President agreed to describe the relationship as a "comprehensive strategic partnership".
Bilateral engagement has generated benefits for both countries. While we have many shared interests, we also have differences to manage. Australia will cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in the national interest.
Both sides acknowledge that Australia and China have different histories, societies and political systems, as well as differences of view on some important issues. In our engagement with China, we work in support of the welfare of our citizens, the rights and freedoms of those who live in Australia, and our strategic, security and trade interests. Australia adheres to its one-China policy, which means the Australian Government does not recognise the Republic of China (ROC) as a sovereign state and does not regard the authorities in Taiwan as having the status of a national government.
Australia raises a wide range of human rights issues with China including freedom of expression, freedom of religion, treatment of political prisoners and ethnic minorities (including abuses in Xinjiang and Tibet), torture, the death penalty, and the rights of legal practitioners and civil rights activists. Where appropriate, we also raise our concerns at multilateral fora such as the Human Rights Council.
Australia's diplomatic network in China includes the embassy in Beijing and consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hong Kong. There are also eight Austrade offices across China, assisting Australian businesses to enter markets and promote Australia as an investment, tourism and education destination. Most Australian state governments are represented in China's leading commercial centres. Australia and China share around 100 sister-state/province and sister-city relationships.
More information on our bilateral relations