China and the West

Re-orienting Australia-China relations : 1972 to the present. Ed. by Nicholas Thomas :
Chronology 1. 1972-1999
Note: The following chronology is an attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the 30-year relationship. Where possible, dates and events were cross-checked against several sources, but when this was not possible the event has been listed as Early, Mid or Late, or simply by the relevant month. In such cases, and as far as could be ascertained, events were placed in their likely chronological order. When discrepancies did arise as to the dates of an event, the majority of sources were considered to be correct.

1972
22 July-8 August The Chinese Ping-Pong team visited Australia.
December University of Sydney Study tour to China, led by Professor William Connell.
5 December The Australian Labor Party, led by E. Gough Whitlam, is sworn into office.
22 December Australian Ambassador to France Alan Renouf and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to France Huang Chen signed a joint communiqué for diplomatic recognition.

1973
12 January The Australian embassy in Beijing opened.
16 January Australian journalist Mr Francis James released after three years in detention.
24 January Official diplomatic links with Taiwan severed.
16 March First Chinese Ambassador Wang Guoquan arrived.
26 March Ambassador-designate Dr Stephen FitzGerald announced Australia’s China policy.
19-31 May Minister for Overseas Trade Dr Jim Cairns led the first trade mission to China.
16-29 June Australian parliamentary delegation, led by Postmaster-General Lionel Bowen, visited China.
Late July A Chinese trade delegation visited Australia.
31 October-4 November Prime Minister Whitlam made his second official visit to China, during which he held talks with Premier Zhou Enlai and met with Chairman Mao Zedong and Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping.

1974
March A delegation of scientists from the Australian Academy of Science and the ANU visited China.
April A second delegation of scientists from the Australian Academy of Science and the ANU visited China.
April Secretary of the Department of Overseas Trade D. McKay visited Beijing.
11 October Australian Trade Exhibition opened in Beijing.
Mid-October Chinese Minister for Agriculture and Forestry Sha Feng visited Australia for the Chinese Trade Exhibition.
6 November The first cultural agreement was signed.

1975
March Rosny Children’s Choir (TAS) toured China.
April Chinese Minister of Foreign Trade Li Qiang visited Canberra.
6 June Foreign Minister Willesee arrived in China.
September Australian landscape paintings shown in Beijing and Nanjing.
8-23 November The Shanghai Philharmonic Society visited Australia.

1976
20-27 June Prime Minister Fraser’s first visit to China.
8 October Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Wenbo and Australian Ambassador Dr. Stephen Fitzgerald signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Question of Chinese Nationals Travelling to Australia.

1977
12 January A delegation of Chinese journalists arrived in Australia on a goodwill tour.
18 January Exhibition of Archaeological Finds of the PRC opened in Melbourne.
23 April A seven-member Chinese language-teaching study group led by Vice Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee of the Peking Language Institute, Wang Wen, arrived in Australia at the invitation of the Australian Department of Education.
23 May-3 June A Chinese trade delegation visited Australia to attend the fourth session of the Australia-China joint trade committee.
26 May As part of a cultural exchange programme, Taronga Zoo presented Peking Zoo with a wombat, two wallabies and two cape barren geese.
27 May A NSW trade mission, led by Minister for Primary Industries Donald Day, arrived in Beijing at the invitation of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
10 June A delegation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), led by CAS Deputy Secretary-General Professor Jian Sanjiang, arrived in Sydney at the invitation of the Australian Academy of Sciences.
22 August-2 September Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Trade Chai Shufan led a delegation that visited Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.
Early September NSW Premier Neville Wran led a delegation to Beijing.
12 September National People’s Congress (NPC) delegation arrived in Australia for a goodwill tour, led by NPC Vice Chairman Ulanhu.
3-8 October An Australian Family Planning delegation visited China as guests of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
1 November Australia-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation, led by Vice-Presidents R. Gale and J. Kwan arrived in Beijing at the invitation of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
7 December Australian Women’s Gymnastics team arrived in China for a goodwill tour.
31 December Young Activists’ delegation of the Australia-China society arrived in Beijing at the invitation of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

1978
1 March The Head of the Division of Theoretical and Space Physics at La Trobe University Professor Cole arrived in Beijing at the invitation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
29 May-4 June The Director of the Department of Clinical Haematology and Oncology of the Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital Dr Ekert and his assistant Dr Matthews are invited to Beijing by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
June An Australia-China Society delegation, led by Mr Geoffrey Stillwell, arrived in Beijing.
20 July Australian parliamentary delegation arrived in China.
27 August The Technical Director of the Standards Association of Australia Mr Paton arrived in Beijing at the invitation of China Association for Standardisation Chairman Yu Qichen.
11-20 October Chinese Minister of Foreign Trade Li Chiang paid a goodwill visit to Australia.
24 October An animal husbandry delegation from Jilin province arrived in Australia.
Early November Deputy Prime Minister Doug Anthony visited China.

1979
5 March Chinese Vice Premier Chen Muhua arrived in Australia for a goodwill visit. Bilateral relations as well as tensions between China and Vietnam dominated discussions.
25 March-5 April The Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qian Sanqiang, visited Australia, and held talks on future bilateral science exchanges.
Early June The Australian Youth Orchestra visited China.
5-8 June Foreign Minister Andrew Peacock visited Beijing for bilateral discussions.
3 September A Chinese public health delegation, led by Minister of Public Health Qian Xinzhong, arrived in Australia on a goodwill visit.
Early October A delegation from the Union of Chinese Musicians, led by composer He Luting, visited Melbourne.
23 November A Guangdong provincial friendship delegation, led by Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee of Guangdong province Xi Zhongxun, arrived in Sydney to establish Sister-state links with New South Wales. During this visit, the two sides discussed cooperation in the economic, scientific and technological fields as well as in education, health and sports.
20 November A delegation from China’s Jiangsu province, led by Chairman of the Province’s Revolutionary Committee Xu Jiatun, arrived in Victoria to sign a Sister-state agreement.

1980
17 March Tasmanian Premier David Lowe led a delegation to Fujian province to discuss the creation of Sister-state ties.
7 April NSW Premier Neville Wran arrived in Guangzhou, on a Sister-state visit to Guangdong. During this visit, agreements for NSW to assist Guangdong province to build a model pastureland, and for technicians from Guangdong to help NSW grow tropical fruit, were signed.
25 March Painter Sidney Nolan arrived in China to gather material for a planned exhibition on China.
5 May Melbourne and Tianjin signed a Sister-city agreement.
6 May Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrew Peacock and the Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Wenjin, signed the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement.
6-12 May Chinese Vice Premier Li Xiannian visited Australia.
16 June The Australian Ballet Company arrived in Beijing for a 12-day tour.
9 July Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser met with Chinese Premier Hua Guofeng in the Chinese embassy in Tokyo.
Mid July Senate President Condor Laucke led a delegation to Shanghai and Hangzhou.
22-30 October President of the China International Trust and Investment Corporation Rong Yiren visited Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne to discuss China’s legal position on joint ventures.
30 October-9 November Victorian Premier Mr Hamer led a goodwill Sister-state visit to Jiangsu. The two sides discussed cooperation in the development of tourism and in recreating some of Jiangsu’s gardens in Victoria.

1981
24-27 January Foreign Minister Tony Street visited Beijing. During the visit bilateral relations, the regional impact of the Soviet Union, and Australian grain sales to China dominated the agenda.
8 March An education delegation, led by Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle Professor George and the Principal of KuringgaiCollege of Advanced Education Mr Muir, arrived in Beijing.
24 April-5 May A Chinese government cultural delegation, led by Minister-in-charge of the Commission for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries Huang Zhen, visited Australia. While in Australia, Minister Huang signed an agreement on bilateral cultural cooperation with Foreign Minister Tony Street.
2 June A Chinese film delegation, led by Editor-in-Chief of ‘Popular Films’ Lin Shan, arrived in Australia to attend film festivals in Sydney and Melbourne.
2 June A five-year agreement for an agricultural co-operation and exchange programme was signed in Beijing by Chinese Minister of Agriculture Lin Hujia and visiting Minister for Primary Industry Peter Nixon.
3-7 September HMAS Swan made a goodwill visit to Shanghai.
Mid September A Chinese government trade delegation, led by Vice Minister of Foreign Trade Liu Xiwen, arrived in Australia to sign protocols covering economic and commercial cooperation.
2 October An agreement for a programme of technical cooperation for development was signed by Chinese Vice Premier Chen Muhua and visiting Minister for Health Michael Mackellar.
16 October A cultural exchange programme between the two governments was signed. Under the programme, the two sides were to have exchanges in culture, art, education, books, publishing, the press, broadcasting, film, television, sports and social sciences and to exchange visits. The two governments would also encourage cultural exchanges between non-governmental organisations in the two countries so as to further friendship between the two peoples.

1982
24 February A Chinese radio and television delegation, led by the Director of the Central Broadcasting Administration of China Zhang Xiangshan, arrived in Australia for a three-week visit.
14 March Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Wenjin arrived in Australia to attend a regular meeting between the officials of the two foreign ministries.
8 April A delegation from the Australian Communist Party arrived in Beijing.
Early April Senate President Harold Young visited Shanghai.
15 May A Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) study group arrived in Beijing for a two-week visit to study the possibilities of Australia-Chinese technical cooperation on an agricultural educational information centre.
4-6 August Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser held his second visit to China. Topics for discussion included bilateral relations as well as China’s continuing anti-Soviet stance.
Mid November Chinese youth women’s softball team visited Australia.
21-29 November A delegation led by Zhu Xuefan, Vice Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, visited Australia on a goodwill tour.

1983
26 February The Jiangsu Beijing Opera Troupe arrived in Australia for a seven-week tour in honour of the first decade of relations.
Early April A Chinese trade union delegation, led by Kang Yonghe, adviser to the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, paid a goodwill visit to Australia.
17-24 April Premier Zhao Ziyang visited Australia to mark the 10-year anniversary of relations between Australia and China. Premier Zhao was the first Chinese head of government to visit Australia.
19 April A MoU was signed on scientific and technical cooperation in geological sciences. Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian and Minister for Resources and Energy Peter Walsh signed the memorandum.
2-15 May President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Wang Yaoting led a delegation to Australia to celebrate the first ten years of the bilateral relationship.
Late May Chairman of the Australia Council Dr Timothy Pascoe visited China to negotiate future cultural exchanges.
3-6 August Foreign Minister Bill Hayden visited China to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in Cambodia.
9 September Entombed Warriors exhibition opened in Canberra.
14 September A delegation from the Association for International Understanding of China, led by Vice President Lei Jieqiong, arrived in Australia for a friendship visit.
10-19 October Australian Landscape Exhibition is displayed in Beijing.
Early November Australian Communist Party delegation visited Beijing.

1984
23 January A delegation from Western Australia, led by Deputy Premier Bryce arrived in Qinghai. The delegation held talks with local officials on joint ventures in mineral exploration, and the possibility of establishing friendship ties.
9 February Australia and China signed a MoU relating to the Tianjin blood transfusion project under the programme of technical cooperation for development.
7-12 February Prime Minister Bob Hawke undertook his first visit to China.
Early March A team of Australian fencers took part in fencing competitions in China.
14-29 March A delegation from the China Christian Council, led by Bishop Ting, toured Australia.
9 April A Taiwanese delegation arrived in Australia to discuss strengthening fishery cooperation, and the operation of Chinese fishing vessels within the 200-mile economic zone.
10-26 May Chinese Minister of Metallurgical Industry Li Dongye visited Australia, holding talks with Ministers and representatives from private companies on future cooperation between the two countries’ iron and steel industries.
17 May Australia and China signed an agricultural cooperation agreement in Beijing, during a visit by the Minister for Primary Industry John Kerin.
20 May-8 June Qinghai Governor Huang Jingbo visited Australia, signing a cooperation agreement with Western Australian Premier Brian Burke (on 7 June).
29 May-7 June Jiangsu Governor Gu Xiulian visited Victoria and Canberra to discuss cooperation in the fields of agriculture, industry, science and technology.
4-13 June Deputy Prime Minister Lionel Bowen visited China to discuss economic and technical co-operation in many areas, including the iron and steel sector as well as in the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors.
Early July Attorney General Gareth Evans visited China to open the Shanghai Consulate-General (2 July). The first Consul-General in Shanghai was Mr Roger Brown.
1 August Australia-Taiwan fisheries agreement renewed.
10 August Australia and China signed an agreement to cooperate more closely in their steel and iron industries. The agreement was signed by visiting Chinese Vice Minister for Metallurgical Industry Lin Hua.
10 September Direct flights between Australia and China commenced. Minister for Aviation Kim Beazley travelled on the inaugural Qantas flight, and signed an aviation agreement while in Beijing.
17-26 September Chinese Light Industry Minister Yang Bo led an eight-member delegation to Australia.
18-23 September The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), led by Director-General Shen Tu, made a goodwill visit to Canberra and Sydney.
Mid October Minister for Resources and Energy Peter Walsh visited China to develop an agreement for a joint work programme for mineral resources assessment, and to sign a MoU on the exchange of coal technology.
1-11 November A Chinese legal delegation, headed by Minister of Justice Zou Yu arrived in Sydney. During the visit, a MoU on the establishment of a legal exchange programme was signed. Under the memorandum, the two countries exchanged legal scholars, law students, judges and lawyers as well as ‘materials relating to their legal systems, laws and legal institutions with an emphasis on exchanges of material dealing with investment and trade law’.
8 November A delegation of the Bank of China (BOC), led by President Jin Deqin, arrived in Australia to discuss the re-opening of the BOC Sydney branch.
26 November-11 December A delegation of Chinese scientists arrived to study bacterial and viral vaccine production.
3 December Australian government consultancy for a Hydroelectric project in Yunnan signed in Beijing.

1985
13 April Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Hu Yaobang arrived in Perth for his first visit to a Western country. During his five-day visit, talks were held with Australian politicians and officials regarding the proposed iron ore joint venture at Mt Channar, Cambodia, and bilateral political relations.
30 June A Parliamentary delegation, led by Senate President Douglas McClelland, arrived in Beijing for talks on the further development of relations between the two parliaments.
25 July Chinese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Qian Qichen arrived in Australia for talks on arms control and disarmament.
4 August An Australian Labour Party delegation, headed by Peter Duncan MP, arrived in China for a two-week goodwill visit.
18-22 August Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen held a four-day goodwill visit to China.
Late August Minister for Trade John Dawkins led a trade delegation to China. The stated purpose of the visit was to discover new channels of cooperation, strengthen the successful bilateral trade and economic cooperation and narrow the trade deficit between the two countries.
22 September Australian Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Lieutenant-General Sir Phillip Bennett led a military delegation to China to discuss regional peace and security issues. This was the first visit by an Australian CDF.
29 September-10 October Chinese Minister of Labor and Personnel Zhao Dongwan visited Australia to exchange views on youth employment and labour policies.
4 October Australian rock group, Men at Work, were denied a visa to perform in China after an early visit by British group Wham! ‘over-stimulated’ Chinese youth.
Late October-Early November The President of the People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs Han Nianlong visited Australia to discuss bilateral relations and issues of international concern.

1986
19 February China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC) signed a joint venture deal with ALCOA to invest in the Portland Aluminium Smelter.
4-15 March Secretary of the Guizhou Provincial Committee of the Chinese Communist Party Hu Jintao led a delegation to Australia for a friendship visit.
30 March-11 April South Australian Premier John Bannon led a delegation to Beijing and Jinan (Shandong). On 3 April, South Australia and Shandong signed a Sister-state agreement.
Late April Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Yang Zhengmin led a delegation to Australia to discuss increasing the frequency of bilateral visits. This was the first visit of its kind.
28 April-11 May Director-General of Chinese Customs Dai Jie led a delegation to Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney to discuss possible co-operation in customs matters.
29 April-10 May A delegation from China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) held a goodwill visit of Australia. The delegation was led by Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Peng Chong.
29 April The Panchen Lama arrived in Australia.
12 May Sydney and Guangzhou signed a Sister-city agreement.
18 May Prime Minister Bob Hawke arrived in China for his second visit. The Prime Minister was accompanied to Chengdu and Nanjing by CCP Secretary Hu Yaobang, and to Xiamen by CCP Standing Committee Member Hu Qili.
20 May The 3rd Australia-China Senior Executive Forum opened in Beijing.
26 June Special Minister of State Michael Young arrived in Beijing to holds talks on future bilateral cooperation.
5 July A Chinese delegation from the Association for the International Understanding of China, led by Vice President Wu Bangguo arrived in Australia, to attend the 37th Biennial National Conference of the Australian Labor Party.
Late August An education delegation led by Minister for Education Susan Ryan visited Beijing to discuss future educational exchanges.
5-13 September Chinese Vice Premier Wan Li toured Australia. During the visit, on 7 September, both sides agreed to hold a Joint Ministerial Economic Commission.
10-13 September A Chinese Communist Party (CCP) delegation visited Australia on a goodwill tour, led by Hao Jianxiu, member of the Secretariat of the CCP Central Committee.
9 November Australian Under-20 Women’s Basketball team arrived in Beijing for a series of goodwill matches.
5-7 December Inaugural Australia-China tennis match played in Melbourne.
14 December Australia-China Education programme announced.

1987
16 February BHP and the Chinese Ministry of Metallurgical Industry signed a MoU to enhance cooperation on trade and technology exchanges.
31 March The Chairman of China’s State Economic Commission Lu Dong led a delegation to take part in the 1st Meeting of the Australia-China Joint Ministerial Economic Commission (JMEC).
13 May Western Australia and Zhejiang province signed a letter of intent for a Sister-state agreement to strengthen cooperation in iron and steel, minerals, woollen textiles and marine fisheries. The Agreement was signed by Governor of Zhejiang Xue Ju and Premier of Western Australia Brian Burke in Hangzhou.
6-13 June The Mayor of Shanghai Jiang Zemin visited Australia.
13 June A delegation from the Australia Peace Committee, led by Vice Chairman John Benson, arrived in China for talks on peaceful cooperation and disarmament.
4 July The first Chinese Wushu team arrived in Australia for a three-week tour.
4 August New South Wales and Guangdong signed a Sister-state agreement. The agreement was signed by the Governor of Guangdong province Ye Xuanping and the Premier of NSW Barrie Unsworth in Guangzhou.
4-13 September A Chinese Youth delegation, led by the Chairman of the All China Youth Federation, Liu Yandong, held a goodwill visit to Australia.
7 November Western Australia and Zhejiang signed a Sister-state agreement, between Western Australian Premier Brian Burke and visiting vice Governor Wu Minda.
14-24 November Chinese State Councillor Gu Mu, visited Australia. While in Australia Gu Mu and Prime Minister Bob Hawke attended the signing ceremony between China and the Hamersley Iron company to jointly develop the Mt Channar iron mine.

1988
January Chinese Mayors delegation (DFAT Special Visits Programme) led by Shanghai Vice Mayor, Huang Ju, with Dalian Mayor, Wei Fuhai, and Xiamen Vice Mayor, Xi Jinping, toured Australia.
17-20 January The Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Qian Qichen visited Australia to hold consultations on disarmament, regional conflicts and other issues.
5 February The Australian Commerce and Industry Office (ACIO) in Taipei started issuing Australian visas for Taiwanese citizens.
10 February The Australian Film Festival commenced in China.
9-16 February Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen visited China.
18 March ‘Fei fei’ and ‘Xiao xiao’, two Chinese ‘Panda ambassadors’, arrived at Melbourne zoo as part of Australia’s bicentennial celebrations.
19-27 March A Senior delegation of Chinese businessmen, led by the President of China Commerce and Industry Development Corporation Zou Siyi, toured Australia to discuss horticultural cooperation for China’s export markets.
2 June The 3rd Meeting of the Australia-China Joint Consultative Group on Transport and Communications was convened in Melbourne.
15-24 June The President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Zhang Wenjin, led a four-member delegation on a goodwill visit to Australia.
10 July Foreign Minister Bill Hayden arrived in Beijing for a 10-day tour of China, including Tibet.
11-21 August Australian club cricket team tours China.
21 August Wagga Wagga and Kunming established Sister-city relations.
Mid-August A delegation from the Chinese NPC, led by Vice Chairman Sun Qimeng, toured Australia on a goodwill visit.
26 August President of China’s Supreme People’s Court Ren Jianxin arrived in Australia to brief Australian lawyers and legislators on Chinese economic legislation.
Mid-October The Chief of the General Staff of the Australian Army Lieutenant General O’Donnell led a delegation to Beijing, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Shanghai.
14-20 November Chinese Premier Li Peng visited Australia. Those accompanying Li on his visit included Foreign Minister Qian Qichen, Minister of Metallurgical Industry Qi Yuanjing, Minister of Labour Luo Gan (who was to become a CPC Politburo Standing Committee Member in November 2002), Minister of Aerospace Industry Lin Zongtang and Director of the China Rural Development Research Centre under the State Council Du Runsheng. During his visit, agreements were signed on the prevention of double taxation in trade and economic cooperation, and on giving China temporary fishing rights in Australia’s coastal waters. The two countries also concluded a five-year agreement on an exchange of technologies linked with exploration and use of outer space.
18 November Visiting Chinese minister for Labour Luo Gan and Minister for Industrial Relations Peter Morris signed a MoU to enable greater cooperation in improving occupational health and safety for workers in both countries. The MoU provided for cooperation in teaching, training, research and information. The main areas included seminars, workshops and conferences, personnel and student exchanges, joint research projects, short-term consultancies, exchange of technical and other documents and access to databases.

1989
29 January-1 February Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Gareth Evans visited Beijing to discuss bilateral relations and the goals of the GATT Uruguay Round.
18 February Vice Chairman of the Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Renzhong arrived in Australia for a two-week visit to discuss Chinese economic reforms and future plans.
8 March A Chinese government cultural delegation led by Minister of Culture Wang Meng arrived in Australia.
19 April Australia and China signed a MoU on energy cooperation, which was aimed at establishing a joint working group on energy policy issues between the two countries. The MoU was signed by visiting Chinese Minister for Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Zheng Tuobin and Minister for Resources Peter Cook at the end of the 3rd Australia-China (Joint Ministerial Economic Commission) JMEC.
Early May Australian Treasurer Paul Keating visited China to discuss the expansion of bilateral cooperation.
24 May Queensland and Shanghai signed a Sister-state agreement.
4 June Tiananmen.
5 June Prime Minister Bob Hawke cancelled a planned visit to China.
15 June Chinese Vice Consul Dong Qi was granted political asylum in Australia.
20 June A Chinese sailor sought political asylum in Australia, due to his opposition to the crackdown in Tiananmen Square.
24 August The Cultural Counsellor of the Australian embassy Nicholas Jose, signed an agreement with the Baowentang publishing house to publish an introductory series on Australia by leading Chinese scholars.
30 August Australia announced restrictions on visas for Chinese students.
9-12 November The Northern Territory business exhibition was held in Shenzhen, to attract Chinese interest in forming joint ventures for developing the Northern Territory’s minerals, energy and agricultural industries.
2-16 December A delegation from the China Federation of Literature and Art visited Australia to develop contacts with the Australian literary and publishing circles and discuss the possibilities of further cultural exchanges. This was the first official visit by a Chinese delegation since Tiananmen.
Mid-December Deputy Secretary of DFAT Michael Costello visited Beijing to discuss the resolution of the Cambodia problem and bilateral relations.
28 December Australia and Taiwan reached agreement on the export of low-grade Australian beef.

1990
23 January Australia eased a ban on ministerial visits to China.
1 April Graeme Bell arrived in China with his jazz band, the Graeme Bell Allstars, for a two-week tour. DFAT financially supported the tour.
15 June Chinese Minister for Metallurgical Industries Qi Yuanjing officially opened the Mt Channar iron ore mine.
Early July Australia-China Friendship Society tour of China, led by President Bruce Johnson.
9 August Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Huaqiu arrived in Australia to hold talks marking the resumption of ties.
1 September Minister for Trade Negotiations Neal Blewett arrived in Beijing to hold the 4th JMEC, and a series of related trade talks. Blewett was the first western minister to meet with his Chinese counterparts in China since Tiananmen.
20 September The Australian Export Finance and Insurance Corporation and the Bank of China signed a US$50 million export credit agreement.
20-24 October Coalition delegation, led by Liberal leader John Hewson visited Beijing to promote bilateral relations; in particular, economic and trade relations.

1991
26 January Australia and Taiwan reached a draft agreement on the establishment of direct aviation links.
Early February The Chairman of CITIC Rong Yiren visited Australia to discuss bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
26 February The Australian government announced it would remove the economic and political restrictions on its relations with China, applied after Tiananmen.
14 March Foreign Minister Gareth Evans announced government approval for Taiwan’s application to open a commercial office in Canberra.
23 March Taiwanese communication officials arrived in Australia to sign the direct air services agreement.
24-28 March Liberal Party leader John Hewson led a delegation to Taiwan.
23-25 April Foreign Minister Gareth Evans visited China to discuss the normalisation of relations, and the resolution of the Cambodian issue.
11 May Victorian Governor Davis McCaughey, arrived in Beijing on a goodwill visit.
5 June The Chairman of the Australian Sister Cities Association Kevin Hill led a delegation on a two-week visit to China.
13 July A Chinese procuratorial delegation led by Deputy Procurator-General of China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate Zhang Siqing arrived in Australia. This was the first contact between the procuratorial departments of the two countries.
14-26 July The first human rights dialogue group held talks in Beijing.
24-28 July Taiwanese Economic Affairs Minister Vincent Siew visited Australia to discuss delays in the implementation of the January 1991 air service agreement.
7 September The Australia-China Friendship Society arrived in Beijing, led by its national president Bruce Johnson. The group also visited Tianjin, Guizhou, Hainan and Guangzhou.
28 September Vice Chairman of China’s State Planning Commission Ye Qing and his delegation arrived in Australia to discuss bilateral relations as well as the prospects for cooperation between the two countries on aviation, communication and transport.
Late October A major Chinese arts delegation visited Australia for two weeks, to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries. The group was led by director of the arts bureau of the Ministry of Culture Qu Runhai.
28 October Prime Minister Bob Hawke met the Chinese Textile Industries Minister Wu Wenying. Wu was the first Chinese minister Prime Minister Hawke had met since Tiananmen.
9 December Chinese Minister for Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Li Lanqing visited Canberra for the 5th JMEC.

1992
18-26 January Taiwanese Interior Minister, Wu Po-hsiung, visited Australia to study Australian land administration and information systems.
10-17 February Zhu Rongji visited Australia to celebrate the 20th anniversary of bilateral relations.
1 April Australia and China signed an implementing programme for cultural exchange in 1992 and 1993. The agreement was signed by visiting Chinese Vice Minister for Culture Liu Deyou, and Arts Minister Wendy Fatin.
4-13 April Australian Turramurra High School symphonic concert band toured China, performing in Beijing and Guangzhou.
9-11 April Foreign Minister Gareth Evans visited China to discuss bilateral relations and to open the new embassy in Beijing.
28 April-3 May The Dalai Lama arrived in Australia for a 16 day tour.
2-14 May Minister for Trade and Overseas Development John Kerin led a business delegation to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Macau.
17-20 June Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen visited Australia.
14-21 July House of Representatives member Garry Nehl MP visited Tibet.
13-18 September Director-General of the Office of National Assessments Geoffrey Miller visited Beijing to exchange views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues.
27-31 October Minister for Tourism and Resources Alan Griffiths visited Taipei, seeking to strengthen tourism exchanges and expand cooperation in trade and investment.
8 November Australian Human Rights delegation arrived in Beijing, but was refused access to Tibet.

1993
Mid-May Shanghai Vice Mayor Zhao Qizheng headed a two-week business mission to Australia.
Early June ANZ was granted approval to open a branch office in Shanghai, the first Australian bank branch since 1949.
12-15 June A delegation from the Australian Political Exchange Council, led by South Australian Mick Doyle, visited China.
24-27 June Prime Minister Keating visited Beijing and Shanghai. The Prime Minister’s official talks focused on bilateral trade and regional issues.
26 June Shanghai Fosters Brewery Ltd, an Australian-Chinese joint venture between the Shanghai Huaguang Brewery and Fosters opened.
Late June A National Party delegation, led by leader Tim Fischer, visited China.
10-17 July An Australian parliamentary delegation visited Taiwan.
Mid-July Hambros Australia and CITIC formed the first joint venture stock broking firm - CH China Securities.
24 July-3 August Secretary of the Shandong Party Committee, Jiang Chunyun, visited Australia to discuss cooperation in the technology, service and food sectors.
6 September Trade Minister Peter Cook arrived in Beijing to attend the inaugural Australia-China Forum and to hold a range of trade talks. During the Forum several contracts on co-operation in satellite and telecommunications development were signed.
28 September Guangdong Corporation became the first Chinese company to list on the Australian stock exchange.
10 October Chinese Trade Minister Wu Yi arrived in Canberra for the 7th Australia-China JMEC.
Early November The Australian Ballet Company performed in Beijing.
3-5 November Trade Minister Peter Cook visited Taipei to discuss bilateral trade and investment.

1994
20 March Chinese Vice Minister of the State Science and Technology Commission, Deng Nan, arrived in Australia to discuss ways of strengthening science links.
Early April Foreign Minister Gareth Evans visited Beijing to discuss human rights issues.
18-27 April Governor-General Bill Hayden visited China, spending time in Beijing, Xinjiang province, Xiamen and other Chinese cities.
5-11 May Chinese Vice Chairman of the NPC Tian Jiyun visited Australia.
15-27 May Executive Director, Agriculture and Forests Group, Department of Primary Industries and Energy Brian Hill visited China.
Early June Chinese Vice Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Gu Yongjiang led a major trade delegation to Australia.
10-17 June Deputy Prime Minister Brian Howe went to Beijing to discuss Sino-Australian relations, bilateral trade as well as issues concerning urban construction.
23 June-2 July Chinese State Councillor Li Tieying visited Australia on a goodwill economic mission.
29 June Taiwan Youth Mission arrived in Sydney.
5-11 July Minister for Primary Industries and Energy Bob Collins visited China to promote cooperation in the fields of primary products and agriculture.
9-18 July Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy Nick Sherry headed a visiting Senate delegation to China.
22-28 July Minister for Resources David Beddall visited Beijing and Shanghai to discuss strengthening exchanges in the coal industry.
6-16 September Trade Minister Bob McMullan undertook his first official visit to China to meet with Chinese officials on bilateral trade cooperation.
4-8 October Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Security Janice Crosio led a party to Beijing to be briefed on reforms to the Chinese social security system.
18-20 October Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Michael Costello visited Beijing.
24 October Shanghai Mayor Huang Ju arrived in Brisbane to discuss possible areas for investment and technical cooperation.
26-27 October Foreign Minister Gareth Evans visited Beijing to meet with the Chinese leadership and attend a Pacific Rim Forum.
6-13 November Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress Qiao Shi led a group on a goodwill visit to Australia.
Early December Chinese Minister in charge of the State Science and Technology Commission Song Jian led a delegation to discuss Australian investment in Chinese science and technology projects.

1995
7-15 February State Councillor, Chen Junsheng, visited Australia to discuss bilateral cooperation in trade, particularly on agriculture and animal husbandry.
18-25 February The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Xu Huizi visited on the invitation of Australian Defence Force.
29-31 March Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Transport Laurie Brereton visited China.
31 March-11 April Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs Nick Bolkus visited China.
3-10 May An Australian securities delegation, led by special trade representative John Button, visited China to discuss training of Chinese stock brokers and to strengthen ties between Chinese and Australian securities commissions and stock exchanges.
12-14 May The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Peter Cook led a small delegation to Beijing to take part in an Asia Society meeting, and to discuss scientific and economic cooperation.
Late May The Chairman of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation Deng Pufang was invited to Australia by Minister for Health Carmen Lawrence.
30 May Australia announced a visit by Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui would not be allowed, even if privately organised.
10-16 June The Speaker of the House of Representatives Stephen Martin undertook a goodwill visit to China on the invitation of the Standing Committee of the NPC.
11-19 June Chinese Vice Premier Zou Jiahua visited Australia as part of a three country regional trip. During his trip, Zou met with Australian Governor-General Bill Hayden and Prime Minister Paul Keating, and visited the Mt Channar mine, the largest joint venture between the two countries.
7-12 July Minister for Business in the Industry, Science and Technology Portfolio Chris Schacht visited China.
Mid-July The Minister for Development Cooperation and Pacific Island Affairs Gordon Bilney made a visit to Shanghai.
Late July A visit to Taiwan was conducted by a University of Sydney delegation, led by Vice-Chancellor Don McNicol, to explore the development of ties with Taiwanese universities, and to discuss the possibility of translating the 1995 ROC Education White Paper.
Early July Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Peter Cook led a telecommunications delegation to China.
Early August Minister for Education, Employment and Training Simon Crean visited China for six days. During the visit, four new education and training ties were confirmed: a joint research arrangement between Swinburne University of Technology (Victoria) and Qinghua University, a vocational education joint venture agreement between Alexander College in Perth and the China Youth College for Political Sciences, a MoU on the establishment of a scholarship program between National Mutual and the Central Institute of Finance and Banking.
15 August Beihai, a port city in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, established Sister-city ties with Cairns.
15-20 August Chief Justice of Australia Sir Gerard Brennan visited China.
18-22 September Australian Trade Minister Bob McMullan visited Hong Kong, Shanghai, Dalian, and Beijing. The Minister led more than 100 Australian business people to the Australia-China Forum in Shanghai. The Minister also co-chaired the 8th JMEC, with Chinese Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, Wu Yi.
20-21 September Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Transport Laurie Brereton visited Beijing. The Minister also attended the 8th JMEC.
Early October An alternate member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party Wen Jiabao made a goodwill visit to Australia.
4-6 October Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Peter Cook visited China.
Mid-October A Western Australian Parliamentary Delegation visited China on invitation of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Congress, led by Speaker James Clarko.
6-14 October Governor-General Bill Hayden visited Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Chengdu.
14-21 October Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) delegation led by Air Marshal (Ret) George Funnell visited Beijing, Shenyang, and Shanghai.
22-27 October Australian Crime Authority head (and head of the OECD Financial Action Task Force delegation) Tom Sherman visited China.

1996
13-15 July Australian Environment Minister Robert Hill became the first minister from the newly elected coalition government to visit China. The main purpose of his trip was a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua, director of the National Environmental Protection Agency.
12-15 August Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Philip Ruddock discussed plans to develop tourism and business-related contacts and curb illegal immigration during his first ministerial visit to China.
22-25 August Foreign Minister Alexander Downer visited China on a ‘fence-mending’ trip, to renew ties strained by cuts in Australia aid, the upcoming visit by the Dalai Lama, and the scheduled trip by the Primary Industries Minister to Taiwan. During the visit both sides agreed to hold an annual security dialogue.
28 August-3 September Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer visited China on another ‘fence-mending’ trip. Mr Fischer travelled to Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, and Guangzhou.
5 September Australia’s Primary Industries Minister John Anderson arrived in Taiwan with a 120-member trade delegation. In addition to other duties, the Minister also addressed the inaugural Australia-Taiwan Forum.
16 September The Speaker of the House of Representatives Robert Halverson met with the Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Qiao Shi while attending an inter-parliamentary conference in Beijing.
23 September General Baker visited China where he discussed the regional strategic outlook and Australia’s defence posture in a series of high-level meetings.
23 and 26 September The Australian Symphony Orchestra performed in Tianjin and Beijing, respectively – as part of a 12-city Asian tour.
Late September The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra performed in Beijing.
14-29 September The Dalai Lama had an extended visit to Australia and met with senior politicians, including the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister as well as state politicians and officials.
31 September-5 October The head of the Formosa Plastics Group, YC. Wang, visited Australia for the first time to discuss coal supplies for Taiwanese and Chinese power plants.
2 October The Shanghai Ballet company arrived for its first tour of Australia.
9 October The Australian Wheat Board won a $10 million Australian contract to supply China with wheat and grain storage facilities.
21 October Queensland State Premier Rob Borbidge led a delegation of Queensland politicians and business people to Shanghai.
12-17 November Secretary of DFAT Philip Flood visited China.
24 November Prime Minister Howard met with President Jiang Zemin in Manila, on the sidelines of the APEC meeting. This was a reconciliation meeting following the deterioration in relations after the Dalai Lama’s visit, ministerial visits to Taiwan, and a cut in Australia’s aid budget for China.

1997
20-24 January A Taiwanese parliamentary delegation visits Australia. Legislator Hsu Shu-po led the group, accompanied by Hsieh Ching-chuan, Lin Yuan-san, Tsai Huang-lang, Chen Chung-chan, Lin Ping-kun, Feng Ting-kuo and Kao Yang-sheng.
28 January-1 February Deputy Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Mark Sullivan visited China.
19-22 February Secretary of DFAT Philip Flood visited China to attend the 11th Australia-China Officials’ Talks.
18-24 March Queensland Governor, Leneen Forde, visited Shanghai and Beijing.
28 March-2 April Prime Minister Howard visited Shanghai and Beijing in a bid to warm up relations. The Prime Minister was accompanied by a large group of Australian business leaders. Apart from the diplomatic and business interaction, the visit also led to an agreement to hold the first military-to-military dialogue.
8 April Chinese Justice Minister Xiao Yang visited Australia to gain a better understanding of Australia’s judicial and legal system, and discuss future human rights dialogues. This visit had been delayed due to problems in the relationship.
10 April Australia withdraws support for a UN resolution in April condemning China’s human rights record.
19 April Politburo member Ding Guangen arrived in Australia to discuss cultural exchanges, particularly the Australian press, publication, film and television and culture.
Late April Taiwanese Minister of State Yang Shih-chin led a trade delegation to Australia. The visit was only made public after it concluded.
12-23 May A North Queensland delegation led by Mark Stoneman visited Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hong Kong.
17-23 May The Queensland Economic and Trade Minister Doug Slack led a Queensland trade mission to Shanghai, to celebrate the Sister-state relationship, and then to Shenzhen for further trade talks.
23-30 May Vice Premier Zhu Rongji undertook a goodwill visit to Australia. Zhu was accompanied by Finance Minister Liu Zhongli, Metallurgical Industry Minister Liu Qi and Liu Huaqiu, Minister in charge of the Foreign Affairs Office of the State Council. The visit was broadly interpreted as a ‘thank you’ for Australia not supporting the April UN resolution.
24 May The Chief of Staff of the Royal Australian Air Force Air Marshal Fisher was invited to China as a guest of Air Force Commander of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Liu Shunyao.
12-14 June Deputy Chief of Defence Force Admiral Chris Barrie launched the first annual bilateral defence talks.
29 June-2 July Foreign Minister Alexander Downer visited Hong Kong, met with Chinese Foreign Minister, Qian Qichen, and Hong Kong Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa.
7-10 August Minister for Industry, Science and Tourism Mr John Moore visited China.
11-14 August Deputy Secretary of DFAT Bill Farmer led a delegation to Beijing to discuss human rights issues. This was the inaugural round of bilateral human rights dialogue.
12 August The Mayor of Young (NSW) Tony Hewson left for Lanzhou to formalise a Sister-city arrangement.
29 August-3 September Three Australian navy ships (the destroyer HMAS Perth, frigate HMAS Newcastle and supply ship HMAS Success) visited the Chinese port of Qingdao – the first since the resumption of military ties after Tiananmen.
7-13 September The Secretary of the Department of Defence Tony Ayers visited China as part of Canberra’s programme of expanding military ties with Beijing.
8-9 September Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer briefly visited Beijing to hold trade and investment talks, and to open the Beijing branch of the ANZ bank.
9 September Kaoshiung and Brisbane signed Sister-city agreement.
9-11 September Social Security Minister Jocelyn Newman visited China.
11 September Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock arrived in China for a week-long visit to discuss immigration and ethnic affairs issues with Chinese counterparts.
11 September Energy and Resources Minister Warwick Parer attended the annual Taiwan-Australia Business Council meeting in Taipei, despite sustained complaints from China.
15-18 September Treasurer Peter Costello led a delegation to Beijing and Shanghai on the invitation of the Chinese Ministry of Finance. In Beijing he met the then Vice Premier Zhu Rongji.
27 September-2 October The Mayor of the Gold Coast City Council Gary Baildon led a delegation to Beihai to sign a Sister-city agreement, and to explore possible tourism opportunities.
6 October Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates began a week-long trip to Beijing and Shanghai, to discuss ways of improving bilateral sporting relations.
6-9 October The Western Australian Premier Richard Court and Northern Territory Chief Minister Shane Stone led a delegation to China to discuss the supply of Australian LNG for the Chinese market.
20 October Chinese Education Minister Zhu Kaixuan arrived in Australia to discuss a planned MoU between the Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee and its Chinese counterpart – the Chinese Education Association for International Exchange – to overarch all existing and future education agreements.
3 November A Chinese military delegation, Guangzhou Military Area Lieutenant-General Tao Bojun began a week long tour of Australia.
6-9 December Bilateral Regional Security and Disarmament Talks were held in Beijing. The co-chairmen were Deputy Secretary of DFAT Kim Jones and the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Deguang.
9-12 December Foreign Minister Alexander Downer made his second visit to China to celebrate the 25th anniversary of bilateral relations. While in Beijing Mr Downer signed MoUs with officials from China’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation in Beijing for a A$3 million water supply project in Tibet and a A$5.5 million training project for Chinese foreign trade and economic cooperation personnel. On 7-9 December, Foreign Minister Downer stopped over in Hong Kong.
11 December China announced Australia was a designated tourist destination.
12-16 December Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Treasurer Gareth Evans visited China.
14-20 December The Chairman of the CPPCC Li Ruihuan visited Australia. Li visited Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Port Douglas, meeting with senior federal and state politicians.

1998
14 January A 37-member delegation of environmentalists and media representatives from Taiwan visited Sydney and Canberra to study Australia’s efforts in environmental protection. The group was led by Environmental Protection Administration Deputy Administrator Wu Yi-hsiung.
26 January China Southern inaugurated the first direct flights to Australia by a mainland carrier.
9-10 February The Western Australian Premier Richard Court and the Northern Territory Chief Minister Shane Stone visited Beijing to present follow-up information on a possible LNG deal.
10 February Australian Sport and Tourism Minister Andrew Thomson arrived in Beijing in an attempt to accelerate a bilateral tourism initiative granting Australia status as a designated tourism destination.
14-19 February Chinese Defence Minister Chi Haotian visited Australia to discuss military cooperation and outlined China’s regional and international defence outlook. Minister Chi was accompanied by three regional commanders: Jiang Futang, from the Shenyang regional command, Qian Guoliang, from the Jinan region, and Chen Bingde, from the Nanjing command.
14-18 March Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Palmer visited China.
8-10 April Tasmania Governor Sir Guy Green visited China.
9 April Chinese naval fleet departed Qingdao for a visit to Australia.
10 April Taiwan Governor James Soong arrived in Sydney for a two-day visit.
15-19 April Former Prime Minister Mr Malcolm Fraser visited China.
17 April Australia’s Colonial Insurance was given a licence to commence operations in China, becoming the first Australian insurance corporation in China.
18 March A delegation of four senior Chinese fire officers led by Fire Commissar Shen Xuandong from Yangzhou arrived in Canberra for a four-week study tour.
1 April The Governor of Tasmania Sir Guy Green and Lady Green arrived in China to promote Tasmania.
26 April Taiwanese DPP Chairman Hsu Hsin-liang arrived in Australia for a week long goodwill visit.
26 April-2 May Chief of the Army Lt General John Sanderson visited China.
27 April The Taiwan-Australia Joint Energy and Minerals Trade, Investment Cooperation Consultations were held in Canberra. Taiwanese Vice Economics Minister Yiin Chii-ming led the Taiwanese delegation.
4-7 May Three Chinese naval vessels visit Australia. The three ships were the Qingdao, a guided missile destroyer of 4,800 tonnes, Shichang, a training ship, and the Nancang, a multipurpose replenishment ship.
3-8 May Senate President Margaret Reid undertook a goodwill visit to China.
8-13 May Director-General of the Taiwanese Board of Foreign Trade Steve Chen leads a delegation to Australia to explore possible trade tie-ups, particularly in the information technology sector.
30 May Senior Chinese veterinary pathologist Dr Bo Qingru arrived in Tasmania for a four-week study trip on fish disease diagnosis and management.
June “The Sieve, Nets & Everything”, an art exhibition by Liz Coats, was held at the Beijing Art Academy.
14-17 June Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa, visited Australia for the first time since taking office. During the visit the Chief Executive met with Prime Minister Howard.
July The Army Band toured China for the first time. The Band held joint concerts with the Military Band of the People’s Liberation Army.
Early July Shell Australia’s chief executive, Mr Roland Williams, and Woodside chief executive Mr John Akehurst, led a delegation to China to lobby for LNG sales.
8-9 July Taiwanese Premier Vincent Siew, accompanied by a 45-member delegation, stopped over in Brisbane en route to Guam.
24-25 July Foreign Minister Downer visited Hong Kong. During his visit the Minister met with Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, Legislative Council President Rita Fan, and the leader of the Democratic Party Martin Lee.
10-11 August The Australia-China Human Rights Dialogue commenced in Canberra. The Deputy Secretary of DFAT Kim Jones headed the Australian delegation while Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Yang Jiechi headed the Chinese delegation.
Late August Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Xiong Guangkai undertook a working visit to Australia. During the visit, Xiong met with government and military leaders and exchanged views on international situation, regional security, and bilateral relations.
September Five Chinese artists are represented at the Eleventh Biennale of Sydney Contemporary Art Exhibition.
October The launch of the China-Australia Electronic Information Centre at the Beijing Library.
1-3 October Member of the Politburo Standing Committee Wei Jianxing visited Australia on the last leg of a regional tour.
6-13 October The board of the Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee travelled to China as part of a visit designed to strengthen higher education links with China. The main purpose of the visit was the signing of an agreement with the Chinese Education Association for International Exchange, which aimed to promote cooperation through information sharing, staff and student exchanges, mutual recognition of qualifications, staff development, researcher exchange, and university management.
14-18 October Queensland Premier Peter Beattie held talks with Chinese tourism officials in China. During his visit Premier Beattie met with President Jiang Zemin and Wang Guangying, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.
15-18 October Tasmanian Premier Jim Bacon visited China to discuss forestry cooperation. The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) also visited Beijing, as part of the Beijing Music Festival. The TSO later performed in Shanghai, Wuhan and Changsha.
27 October Western Australian Premier, Richard Court, began a four day visit to China to lobby for LNG sales. During this visit, China announced that Guangdong would be the first user of LNG, beginning in 2005.
27-29 October ACT Chief Minister, Kate Carnell, visited Beijing to promote investment and relations with Beijing. She met the Mayor of Beijing Jia Qinglin.
28-29 October Prime Minister’s Special Envoy (Secretary of the Treasury) Ted Evans visited Beijing.
1-4 November The Australian guided-missile corvettes HMAS Anzac and HMAS Sydney visited Shanghai for a goodwill visit.

1999
10-15 January South Australian Premier John Olsen visited Sister-city Shandong, as well as Shanghai and Beijing.
20-24 January Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Fu Quanyou visited Australia to discuss bilateral relations and regional security concerns.
2-5 March Secretary of DFAT Ashton Calvert visited Beijing for Senior Officials Talks.
14-16 March Beijing Vice Mayor Zhang Mao visited Sister-city Canberra.
3-6 April Minister for Justice and Customs Senator Amanda Vanstone visited Beijing. She met State Councillor Luo Gan.
6-12 April President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Qi Huaiyuan visited Australia.
5-6 April Industry Minister Nick Minchin visited Taiwan on an ‘unofficial visit’, to open Australian Technology Week.
25-29 April Former Prime Minister Paul Keating visited Beijing for commercial promotions. He met Premier Zhu Rongji.
May Launch of the Chinese edition of the Australian classic “A Fortunate Life”.
10-16 May Queensland Transport Minister Steve Bredhauer led an investment visit to China.
16-18 May Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Tim Fischer visits China to hold WTO accession negotiations. While in Beijing, the Deputy Prime Minister also announced the launching of a prototype wool contract that would provide guidelines for bilateral wool trade.
22-25 May Defence Minister John Moore visited China, the first official visit to China by an Australian defence minister. Discussions centred on the US bombing of the Chinese consulate in Belgrade.
25-29 May Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Bill Farmer visited China.
5 July Taiwan and Papua New Guinea establish diplomatic ties.
Early July Attorney-General Daryl Williams visited China to discuss developing a joint approach to transnational crime and to negotiate for better access to the Chinese market for Australian law firms. The legal services mission was led by Attorney-General Daryl Williams, Law Council of Australia president Mr Fabian Dixon, former NSW Supreme Court judge Sir Laurence Street, and representatives of major Australian law firms. In Beijing, Williams met with State Councillor Luo Gan.
8-13 July Editor-in-Chief of the People’s Daily Xu Zhongtian visited Australia.
11-15 July Foreign Minister Alexander Downer visited China for WTO discussions. Afterwards the Minister stopped over in Hong Kong, where he met with senior officials.
13 July Australia and China announced they had concluded bilateral WTO negotiations for China’s accession.
Mid-July A delegation from the Australian Political Exchange Council, led by Judi Moylan MP, visited Chengdu and Beijing.
20-26 July Minister for Education, Training, and Youth Affairs David Kemp visited Beijing for talks with the Chinese Education Ministry and education officials.
Late July Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown visited Tibet in secret.
29-31 July Anniversary celebrations of Queensland-Shanghai Sister-state agreement. The delegation was led by Shanghai mayor Xu Kuangdi.
14-21 August The Third Round of the bilateral Human Rights Dialogue took place in China. The two co-chairmen were Deputy Secretary of DFAT Miles Kupa and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. In addition to Beijing, the Australian delegation also visited Qinghai Province.
16-23 August The first group of Chinese tourists visited Australia.
Early September Family and Community Services Minister Jocelyn Newman visited China to discuss plans to hold a regional forum on social policy.
6-11 September President Jiang Zemin visited Australia, the first time a Chinese president had visited the country. During the visit Australia and China signed agreements covering consular matters, mining, energy, transnational crime and other fields.
12-18 September Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Garry Nehl visited Tibet and Beijing.
12-18 September Chief Justice of the Australian High Court Murray Gleeson visited Beijing, Wuhan and Shanghai, to further develop relations between the High Court and China’s Supreme People’s Court.
October Dr John Yu, 1996 Australian of the Year, visited Beijing to further bilateral cooperation in healthcare, arts and education.
Early October A delegation of the CPPCC National Committee visited Australia. The delegation was led by the Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Wang Zhaoguo.
9-15 October Vice-Chief of the Australian Defence Force Air Marshal Doug Riding visited China for the Third Annual Strategic Dialogue.
Late October Senate President Margaret Reid and House of Representatives Speaker Neil Andrews led a delegation of Australian legislators to China.
24-30 October Jia Qinglin, a member of the Chinese Politburo and secretary of the Party’s Beijing Municipal Committee visited Sydney to discuss preparations for the Sydney Olympics.
26 October The Chinese Ministry of Justice granted two Australian law firms approval to establish branch agencies. The Deacons Graham James and the Minter Ellison law firms located their offices in Shanghai.
30 October HMAS Adelaide, led by Rear Admiral J. Lord, arrived in Shanghai for a goodwill visit.
8 November Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Philip Ruddock met with State Councillor Luo Gan in Beijing to discuss transnational crime and illegal immigrants.
9-13 November Deputy Chief Executive of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources Tim Mackey visited Beijing for the 8th meeting of the bilateral Energy Joint Working Group.
13-17 November Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Aged Care Grant Tambling visited Beijing.
10 November Sino-Australia power seminar opened in Beijing.
17 November James Peng returned to Australia.
21-27 November Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Anson Chan visited Australia. The Chief Secretary met with Premiers Carr and Bracks, Foreign Minister Downer, and Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson.
26 November The MoU on Cultural Heritage Cooperation was signed in Beijing. This formalised cooperation between Australia and China on the conservation and protection of their respective cultural heritages.
9-10 December Australia-China Regional Security and Disarmament Talks took place in Beijing. The co-chairmen were the Deputy Secretary of DFAT Miles Kupa and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya.
18-20 December Foreign Minister Downer visited Macau for the Macau handover.
21 December Inaugural Australia-China Council Awards presented.
21 December Sixteen Chinese students became China’s first MA (Visual Arts, Photographic) graduates. They received the honours after completing a two-year photography course that was the result of a successful cooperation between the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, Australia and the China Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing.