Sixty years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the China Australia relationship continues to strengthen, writes Roger Wolfe, Chairman of AustCham Beijing.

As the world watched the People’s Republic of China celebrate its 60th birthday with grand celebrations in Beijing, it offered a chance to reflect on the successful relationship Australia has built with China over the years.
From the historic visit by then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1971 to today’s Mandarin speaking Lu Kewen, Australia continues to demonstrate its commitment in strengthening the relationship. So where to from here? The fact Australia and China are different in many ways and similar in others offers opportunities for both countries.
China will no doubt become the world’s number one economy in time and with this role comes a higher profile on the global stage. Demonstrating leadership in terms of strategies and solutions that benefit mankind irrespective of ethnic origin, religious belief or financial capacity is a tremendous responsibility best shared with close allies such as Australia.
We may be small by some measures compared to China, however the creativity and tenacity of Australians in general is well known in business, sport and the sciences.
I feel a lesson all economies learnt out of the Global Financial Tsunami was working together makes a lot more sense than working independently as you cannot effectively insulate yourself from issues beyond your own shores. The fact the world’s leading economists and think tanks missed picking what would happen was a fundamental flaw.
China and Australia have an opportunity to stimulate thought and debate in terms of creating an environment where harmony prevails, ideas are created and there is mutual respect for differing opinions such that consensus can be reached in resolving the critical issues of the day.
Trade and resources related activities are regularly on the front pages of Australian and Chinese papers. It is perhaps time to step back and focus on what else is important in the long term versus what’s urgent ‘today’ and explore other options on how we can collectively further strengthen our relationship.
AustCham Beijing’s members are also demonstrating a commitment to China, with long-term, strong presences in the China market. One of these is the ABC, which recently celebrated 35 years of operation in China with a few celebratory glasses of champagne. Taking place at the Grand Hotel in Beijing (which overlooks the Forbidden City), there was historical news footage and great stories covering the many major events that have taken place in China over more than three decades. With special guests from Australia, high level representatives from China Radio International, China Central Television and the Foreign Ministry in attendance, it was a night to celebrate past achievements and look forward to continuing success for the ABC in China. Congratulations ABC.

AUSTRALIA CHINA BUSINESS AWARDS 2009 (ACBA: 09)

The ACBA:09, being held on Thursday, December 3, are a celebration of excellence in Australian business in China. To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the 2009 Gala Award Presentation is being hosted in Beijing for the first time. Hosted by Stephen McDonnell, ABC China Correspondent, with an address from the Australian Ambassador to China, Dr. Geoff Raby, the gala presentation dinner will truly be a night to remember. With much attention and focus on Shanghai for Expo 2010, watch for more details and information on next year’s ACBA:10 to be held in Shanghai. For more information on this event please visit: www.austchamchina.com
 
2009 AUSTCHAM BEIJING LLOYD MORGAN GOLF DAY

Under excellent golfing conditions, the AustCham Beijing Lloyd Morgan Golf Day took place on Friday, 18 September. With a strong turnout, high standards of golf, a gourmet BBQ under the stars and money raised for the Lang Fang Children Welfare Institute, everyone was a winner! Congratulations to our 2009 Golfing Champions: Ausenco (Lowest Nett), Sensis (2nd), Shell China (3rd) and DC Design (Best Scratch) and individual winners Zhong Bai Chen, Zhou Hu, Steven Lyons, and Li Yang. The day would not have been possible without our Title Sponsor Lloyd Morgan, Hole Sponsors DC Design, Elders, Gilt Edge International, Lehman Brown International Accountants, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Sensis, Spaceframe Construction & Engineering Co., Ltd; and support from Culinary Capers keeping everyone fed, Elders keeping everyone watered and thanks to Orient Pearl Golf Club for a great course. ■