Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd has commented on his discussions with Chinese President Hu Jintao.
The discussions came amid the APEC meeting in Sydney. [Read more…]
Greens Claim Presiding Officers ‘Kowtowed’ To Chinese President
Oct 25, 2003
Following last Thursday’s parliamentary address by President Bush, during which Senators Bob Brown and Kerry Nettle interjected, the Greens have objected to their treatement at the hands of the parliament’s presiding officers during yesterday’s address by China’s President Hu Jintao.
The Greens senators have been on the receiving end of considerable media criticism following their performance during Bush’s speech, but the strong-arm tactics of the Chinese will unsettle many.
A report by Steve Lewis in The Australian today claims that the Chinese President threatened not to deliver his speech unless he was guaranteed a silent reception. Lewis paints a picture of frantic last-minute activity as Hu arrived at Parliament House:
Just before 9.30am yesterday, the Foreign Minister of China, Li Zhaoxing, pulled up at Parliament House in his chauffeur-driven limousine. [Read more…]
Howard And Hu Sign Trade Deals
Oct 24, 2003
This is the transcript of the joint press conference held by the President of the People’s Republic of China, Hu Jintao, and the Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, at Parliament House, Canberra.
It followed a special joint sitting of the Parliament that was addressed by the Chinese President.
- Listen to the press conference:
Transcript of joint press conference by Prime Minister John Howard and Chinese President Hu Jintao
PRIME MINISTER HOWARD:
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen. This news conference will be by way of consecutive translation. I will make a short opening statement, the President will make a short opening statement and then they’ll be two questions. Two from the Chinese media and then two from the Australian media.
The agreements which have just been signed demonstrate very clearly the breadth and the depth of the relationship between Australia and China. [Read more…]
‘Constantly Increasing Common Ground’: Hu’s Speech To Australian Parliament
Oct 24, 2003
This is the transcript of the Address to a Joint Sitting of the Australian Parliament by the President of China, Hu Jintao.
Hu’s speech was the first by a Chinese president to the parliament.
- Listen to President Hu’s speech:
- Text and Audio of John Howard’s Speech of Welcome
- Text and Audio of Simon Crean’s Speech
Text of Chinese President Hu Jintao’s speech to the Australian Parliament.
The Honourable Neil Andrew, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Paul Calvert, President of the Senate, the Honourable Prime Minister John Howard, distinguished members of the federal parliament of Australia, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am delighted to meet with you today, and address such a distinguished audience at the Australian parliament building.
Let me begin by expressing, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, my best wishes to you and, through you, to the courageous and hard-working Australian people.
Though located in different hemispheres and separated by high seas, the people of China and Australia enjoy a friendly exchange that dates back centuries. [Read more…]