Remarks by Chinese Consul General in Brisbane Ruan Zongze at the Australia China Friendship Society (ACFS) 2026 National Conference——Communist Party ’s Leadership is the Right[...]

Good morning, everyone.

I'm delighted to join this outstanding gathering to celebrate the 75th anniversary of ACFS. Let me begin by acknowledging National President Ms Jan Everett and your team. Your remarks were both warm and inspiring, reminding us of the ACFS's proud history while also setting out a compelling vision for the future. Achieving that vision will require joint efforts that serve the interests of both our countries and our peoples.

I would also like to acknowledge Mr Yuan Min Dao，Vice President of Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Thank you for travelling from Beijing to attend this event. Your participation makes this gathering even more special, and your suggestions for the future are both thoughtful and impressive.

I also thank the Minister Counsellor Ms Li Wei for joining us from Canberra. Brisbane offers excellent weather and a warm welcome, and I hope this warmth reflects the positive momentum in our bilateral relationship. I would also like to commend the Ambassador for his insightful remarks and valuable observations.

I wish to acknowledge Mr Michael Choi, a longstanding and steadfast supporter of Australia-China relations, as well as James Martin for taking the time to be here today. Your efforts have contributed greatly to strengthening understanding and cooperation between our two countries.

I also acknowledge Steven Huang, representative of the Lord Mayor, Michael Ma, President of QCUC and many other friends present today. Your attendance sends a strong message of commitment to the China-Australia relationship. Through your work, you have helped deepen people-to-people links, business connections, and mutual understanding.

A special acknowledgment goes to Professor Colin Mackerras, whom many regard as an encyclopedia of China. Your scholarship has inspired generations of Australians to learn more about China. We hope that more young people will follow in your footsteps and continue promoting understanding between our two cultures.

I would also like to acknowledge Ms Karla Orellana，Professor Lu Ping，Ms Lily Zhong and your team, whose hard work behind the scenes made this event possible. Your dedication deserves our sincere appreciation.

Reflecting on the society's history, it is remarkable that it was established 75 years ago, when the People's Republic of China was still in its infancy. The founders played a pioneering role in fostering people-to-people exchanges between Australia and China. Their contribution has been tremendous.

Many people ask me a simple question: What is China? In a few words, I would say that China is not merely a country; it is a civilization. For thousands of years, Chinese civilization has contributed enormously to human progress, science, technology, and culture. This long history forms the foundation of modern China.

I would like to take this very good opportunity to share some of my reflections on the bilateral relationship and beyond.

First of all, China is actually a civilization rather than just a country. For thousands and thousands of years, Chinese civilization has made tremendous contributions to human society, human progress, as well as science and technology. This civilization provides the profound historical and cultural background of modern China. Back in the first half of the 19th century, according to some Western scholars and experts, China's GDP ranked number one in the world.

China had a very glorious and highly developed economy. China also reached out to the rest of the world, and this is actually the secret behind China's success. We like to share good things, good stuff, with the world, and at the same time we can learn from the rest of the world as well.

Unfortunately, back in the 19th century, China suffered foreign invasions. In 1895, Japan invaded China, and Chinese civilization was plunged into a very difficult and painful period. Of course, even before that, there was the Opium War, when Britain urged China to take opium. Today, drugs are a taboo for every government and are strongly opposed by all countries. However, during the Opium War period, China entered a very tragic trajectory in its history.

That brings me to my second point: Why is the Communist Party of China?

I have heard this question many times, including from Western media coverage. To be very honest, there has been a lot of demonization of CPC. However, I can tell you, and we can see, that the CPC provided the leadership that saved China, made China strong, and now enables China to embark on a new journey of modernization. It's so extraordinary.

CPC's leadership is not absolutely the first choice of Chinese people. We try many other systems, we tried many other options, however they never work. Finally, back in 1921 the founding of CPC became a game changer. And it has the support - the full support - of the Chinese people. This is why the Communist Party of China has won the minds and hearts of the people. More importantly, it works.

So no matter how some people may have biases or prejudices about our political system, we Chinese believe that Communist Party's leadership is the right choice for our country. It has enabled us to become an independent nation, a prosperous nation, and now we are marching forward on the path of modernization.

We are very proud of this choice. I do not think there is any reason to choose a different path.

I would also like to mention one more thing. Very recently, President Trump came to China to visit after his inauguration. Donald Trump and President Xi spent altogether over nine hours together. Nine hours, it shows so extraordinary what they' are talking about. The very clear-cut message from this meeting was that the two sides, and the two presidents, agreed on a new framework for the future China-U.S. relationship. President Xi described it as a relationship of constructive strategic stability, and both leaders pledged to work toward this goal. This visit was a historic milestone in bilateral relations.

However, there is one point I would like to highlight. What was the first thing President Xi said to President Trump, his colleagues, and his delegation? Xi made one point absolutely clear. He said that the Taiwan question is the most important issue between China and the United States.

If we do not handle it well and properly, it could lead to conflict. Therefore, President Xi made China's position on the Taiwan question very clear.

The message was received by President Trump. When he flew back to Washington on Air Force One, he gave an interview to Fox News. Donald Trump said that he does not want anybody to seek independence, because America is not going to travel thousands of miles to fight a war. The message was very clear. So this can be seen as a kind of memorandum of understanding between the two countries.

The Taiwan question has always been the number one topic when China develops its diplomatic relations with the rest of the world. Today, China has diplomatic ties with 183 countries. All of them, without exception, must agree to the One China Principle. Australia does as well. Back in 1972, when our two countries established diplomatic relations, the Australian Government, in the China-Australia Joint Communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic ties, acknowledged the position of the People's Republic of China that Taiwan is a province of China. This remains Australia's official policy.

I mention this because we need to reflect on history. The past 75 years have taught us a great deal and told us a great deal. We should never forget that history, nor should we have any misunderstanding about this issue. It is absolutely clear.

I think this is also a key point. It reminds me of something President Xi told Donald Trump. He said that America would soon mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. However, something came to my mind.

Almost 250 years ago, after the founding of the United States, America became involved in a civil war - the war between the North and the South. At that time, the President of the United States was Abraham Lincoln, a great leader.

He made it clear. He said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."

Therefore, he chose to fight - to fight for America's unity, and to fight to ensure that the young American republic would not be divided.

So does China.

We have every reason to safeguard our national unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. This is crystal clear.

There should not be any double standards. If America could fight to preserve its unity, then China's determination to safeguard its own unity should also be understood. So I think the message is out there.

Finally, I'd like to also share with you about my observation of China Australia relationship very briefly because it is a very complicated story.

I make it as simple as possible. So remember ABCDEF? That's it.

Looking at China-Australia relations today, I like to summarize them with six letters: A, B, C, D, E, and F.

A stands for Adjacency. Although separated by the sea, Australia and China are neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region.

B stands for Benefit. Our relationship has brought substantial benefits to both countries and will continue to do so.

C stands for Complementarity. Our economies are highly complementary and create opportunities for mutual success rather than rivalry.

D stands for Dialogue. Open and constructive dialogue helps us manage differences and strengthen understanding.

E stands for Engagement. People-to-people exchanges, education, tourism, trade, and cultural cooperation are all essential to a strong relationship.

F stands for Friendship. Friendship transcends borders and remains one of the most powerful forces connecting our two peoples. This society itself is a testament to that friendship.

This is my fourth year in Brisbane, and I have been deeply impressed by Australia and by the warmth and openness of its people. Australia's multicultural society provides an excellent example of mutual respect and inclusion.

As our world becomes increasingly diverse, mutual respect is more important than ever. We do not need to agree on everything, but we should seek to understand one another, respect our differences, and work together where our interests align.

Let us continue telling the positive stories of China- Australia cooperation and friendship. Let us build on the achievements of the past and work together for an even brighter future.

Thank you very much.