Foreign and Military Affairs

Aussie DM upbeat on China's harmonious development

By Ma Liyao (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-06-04 20:18

Singapore - Australia is positive and optimistic about China's emergence as part of the defining change in the world order, said Stephen Smith, Minister of Defense of Australia on Saturday.

He was speaking at the plenary session at the Shangri-La Dialogue, talking under the set topic of Asia’s New Distribution of Power and Its Implications.

"Australia wants China to emerge into a harmonious environment," he said.

Senior exchanges between the two militaries were seen as part of the growing military cooperation with China, and Australia values the opportunity to have frank and open conversations in issues of mutual concern and to exchange views on areas of common interest, Smith said.