Chinese premier says sound, stable China-Australia relations in common interests of two peoples

Facts have proven that sound and stable China-Australia relations serve the common interests of the two peoples and meet the common expectations of countries in the region, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday.

Li made the statement while attending a welcome banquet by the Chinese community in Australia with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Perth.

Speaking at the event, Li extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the Chinese community in Australia. In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Australia and the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership, Li recalled, saying bilateral relations have made remarkable progress over the past 10 years.

Li noted that, during his visit to Australia this time, he has had extensive contact with Australian leaders and people from all walks of life, and has felt that people from all societies in Australia share common aspirations and sincere expectations for sound development and maintenance of China-Australia relations.

The two sides agreed to stay committed to their comprehensive strategic partnership, act in the common interests of the two peoples, expand and deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and push forward continuous development of China-Australia relations, said the Chinese premier.

Against the backdrop of sluggish global economic growth, China's economy has continued to rebound and improve, with its new growth drivers gaining momentum, he said.

China's economy is resilient, and enjoys great potential and vitality, Li said, adding that its basic trend of long-term improvement won't change.

China has the confidence and the ability to maintain sustained and sound economic development, he said, noting that a prosperous and more open China will bring more fresh opportunities for win-win cooperation between China and Australia and inject stronger impetus into the world economy.

Overseas Chinese in Australia, Li said, are important members of Australia's diverse society and have played a unique role in promoting economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Li said he hopes that they will continue to pay attention to and support the development of China-Australia relations, actively promote exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields and further contribute to stronger development of China-Australia relations.

Speaking on the same occasion, Albanese thanked the Chinese community in Australia for its contributions to Australia's economic and social development and multicultural prosperity, saying that the economies of Australia and China are highly complementary and Australia has benefited from China's development.

Australia is willing to strengthen communication and exchanges with China, deepen cooperation in various fields and push for more fruitful results in Australia-China relations, said Albanese.

Li is on a three-nation tour from June 13 to 20, which has taken him to New Zealand and Australia, and which will also take him to Malaysia.

Chinese premier says sound, stable China-Australia relations in common interests of two peoples

Chinese premier says sound, stable China-Australia relations in common interests of two peoples

Chinese premier says sound, stable China-Australia relations in common interests of two peoples

A youth summer camp aimed to carry forward the spirit of the Flying Tigers and promote friendship and cultural exchanges between Chinese and American students was opened in Beijing on Wednesday.

The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault to help oppose the Japanese invasion of China during World War II.

After over eight decades, the stories about the Flying Tigers have been passed down from generation to generation in both China and the United States, with mutual friendship continuing to flourish, and with new vitality.

The summer camp, officially known as the Chinese Bridge Flying Tigers Summer Camp for American Students, was organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation under China's Ministry of Education and the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation (SAAHF), and has attracted over 100 teachers and students from the United States and various regions of China.

Before the launching ceremony, the organizers, along with many Chinese students, prepared various Chinese folk activities and games for the overseas friends, such as trying traditional Chinese musical instruments, playing the Touhu or pitch-pot game, and experiencing paper-cutting techniques.

"I'm going to try the Chinese flute," said an American student.

"I pretty much enjoyed the pitch-pot game," said another American student.

Most of the students participating in the event were from friendly schools of the Flying Tigers, and some were even descendants of the Flying Tigers.

"Yes, he was in the Flying Tigers before I was born. He flew hundreds of mission. [I am expecting] to see a lot more history about the Flying Tigers, to have a lot more learning about it," said another summer camp student. "I think this is a wonderful moment to commemorate our solidarity with the students of the Flying Tigers summer camp and to strive for progress together," said Zhang Yiyuan, a Chinese student from central China's Hunan Province.

At the opening ceremony, Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the SAAHF, said that he hoped the campers can cherish and enjoy this journey, spend a fulfilling and meaningful time in China, and share the story of the Flying Tigers with more people.

Organizers said that they will launch five such youth summer camps in the next five years to deepen bilateral friendship and pass on the Flying Tigers spirit.

After the trip to Beijing, the campers will also go to southwest China's Yunnan Province, the birthplace of the Flying Tigers, to learn more about the stories of these war heroes, according to organizers.

Flying Tigers youth summer camp opens in Beijing

Flying Tigers youth summer camp opens in Beijing