Australia and China growing understanding and friendship through music

Today, the Australian Army band will stage a joint concert with 60 members of the People’s Liberation Army Band.

The Commanding Officer of the Australian Army Band, Lieutenant Colonel Lambie said the performance is the opening event of the inaugural Australia-China Military Friendship and Culture Week featuring a series of joint performances by the two military bands.

“Through performance and music, the Australian Defence Force and the People’s Liberation Army are seeking to enhance their mutual respect and trust, as well as to broaden the understanding of their respective military cultures and customs.

“The joint performances during the inaugural Military Friendship and Culture Week demonstrate the growing relationship between the Australian Defence Force and People’s Liberation Army,” Lieutenant Colonel Lambie said.

General David Hurley, Chief of the Defence Force; Mr Dennis Richardson, Secretary of the Department of Defence; His Excellency Mr Ma Zhaoxu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China; and Lieutenant General Cen Xu, Assistant Chief of the General Political Department, People’s Liberation Army will attend the concert.

In recent years Australia has continued to expand defence links with China through a program of senior-level dialogue, working-level exchanges and practical activities.

The cooperation, dialogue and communication between the two defence organisations play an important role in supporting the relationship's long term future.

Following today’s concert at Llewellyn Hall at the Australian National University in Canberra, a second joint performance will be conducted in Sydney next week.

Media note:

Imagery will be available later today at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20131527