The Secretary of Defence, Mr Dennis Richardson, and the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC, conducted the annual Australia-China Defence Strategic Dialogue in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, on 12 October.
The Dialogue was hosted by Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), General Fang Fenghui. This year marked the 19th year of the annual Dialogue.
Mr Richardson and Air Chief Marshal Binskin said the Dialogue is a key aspect of Australia’s defence engagement with China.
They said Australia was committed to working with China to ensure a strong, stable and prosperous region.
“In 2017, our ongoing defence cooperation will include strategic dialogue, personnel exchanges and training, service engagement, practical cooperation and education opportunities,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.
“The Dialogue demonstrates that the Australia-China defence relationship is a strong and important part of our broader bilateral relationship.”
During the discussions, both Mr Richardson and Air Chief Marshal Binskin also raised the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability including in the South China Sea and on the Korean Peninsula.
“We also highlighted that the Australian Defence Force continues to operate globally and regionally in accordance with international law.”
Air Chief Marshal Binskin and Secretary Richardson’s program in China included a call on the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and visits to the Northern Theatre Command and the PLA Peacekeeping Training Centre.
