Canberra urged to see Beijing's military 'rationally'

The Chinese and Australian militaries will deepen mutual understanding and trust, expand practical cooperation and maintain positive growth in military relations, senior military officials said on Thursday.

General Wei Fenghe, state councilor and minister of national defense, made the remark during a meeting with his Australian counterpart, Christopher Pyne in Beijing. It is Pyne's first visit to China after taking office in August.

Experts said the visit is a much-needed change given the recent chill in China-Australia relations over security matters such as espionage, cybersecurity and the South China Sea. They also urged Australia to view China's military development "objectively and rationally" without foreign influences.

Wei said the Chinese and Australian militaries have had a lot of practical cooperation over the years, ranging from high-level visits to joint exercises and training. China hopes Australia will continue to jointly expand military exchanges and cooperation based on mutual respect, fairness and win-win principles, he said.

Pyne said the two militaries have maintained cooperative relations in recent years. Australia is willing to work with China to deepen mutual understanding, trust and respect, and push for strong, positive development in military to military relations as well as bilateral ties, he added.

General Xu Qiliang, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, who also met with Pyne on Thursday, said both countries have a long history of friendship, and China has always valued the traditional bond between their peoples.

Xu said he hopes Australia will rationally perceive China's strategic intent and expand practical exchanges and cooperation, thereby contributing to the growth of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xu Liping, a researcher of Southeast Asian affairs at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Pyne's visit will send a positive signal in China-Australia military relations and will be beneficial for building mutual trust and maintaining regional peace.

"China and Australia have had a long history of friendly cooperation, and continuing this trend is in the interests of both countries and their people," he said. "It will be a lose-lose situation if Australia takes a confrontational approach toward China."

Zhang Junshe, a senior researcher at the People's Liberation Army Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said because the United States and Australia are allies, Australia has recently sided with the US in criticizing China on defense issues such as cybersecurity and the South China Sea.

"It is crucial that Australia objectively and rationally evaluates China's military development and strategic intent. China does not seek hegemony or wish to threaten any country," he said. "Pyne's visit is very timely as it can enhance mutual understanding, allowing proper management of risks and differences between the two nations," he said.