Australia and China held bilateral Senior Officials’ Talks in Canberra on 13 June. The talks were co-chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, and the Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Ma Zhaoxu.

The talks covered a range of bilateral, regional and global issues, including trade and investment, consular matters, human rights, and regional and international security.

Secretary Adams welcomed the contribution that frank and constructive dialogue makes to the stabilisation of our bilateral relationship, to the benefit of both countries. She underscored that Australia would continue to engage with China in our national interest, and to raise issues of concern to Australia.

The talks built on previous rounds of Senior Officials’ Talks in May 2024 in Beijing and in April 2023 in Canberra.

Executive Vice Minister Ma is the most senior official from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was China’s Ambassador to Australia from 2013-2016.