At the invitation of La Trobe University, H.E. Mr. Zhang Junsai, the Chinese Ambassador visited the students and teachers and delivered, at the National Gallery of Victoria International, a speech entitled China's Role in International and Regional Politics. Apart from students and teachers, some of the attendants were local politicians and businessmen in Victoria.

In his speech, Ambassador Zhang quoted the motto of La Trobe University as Whoever seeks shall Find, and said, to find out China's role in the region and beyond, we need to seek constantly. We need to appreciate the changing international situation, know a real China, and ultimately, understand China's relations with the rest of the world.

Talking about the world's current affairs, he believes that we now live in a world of great progress, great shift and great transition. Peace, development and cooperation still represent the trend of the times. Economic globalization and the move toward multi-polarity are gathering pace. Multilateralism and democracy in international relations receive wider support. Opening up and cooperation for mutual benefit have become the shared aspiration of the international community. Countries are more interdependent and their coordination and dialogue have gradually strengthened. The other picture is that the mankind are facing profound changes. The recovery of global economy remains uncertain. Development imbalances stand prominent. Global issues like climate change, food security, energy and resources security and public health care are quite acute. Terrorism, natural disasters, WMD proliferation, transnational crimes and other non-traditional threats still pose challenges. Regional conflicts continue to arise. World peace and development are threatened by such instability and uncertainties.

Regarding the current affairs in China, Ambassador Zhang listed the following facts and figures and said, China is a country both old and young. And as known to all, it's developing at a fast speed while a lot still remains to be done. China has a history of five thousand years with rich culture. It has just celebrated the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic. It is undergoing massive industrialization, urbanization, and modernization. With the society's unprecedented vigor and creativity, China is witnessing great changes every day. Great achievements have been made since its founding 60 years ago. Especially in the last 30 years, its GDP were growing at nearly 10% annually. It has become the third largest economy, and contributes 22% and 9% of growth in world economy and trade respectively. However, we are fully aware of the fact that China is still a developing country. It has a big population, weak foundation and low productivity. It faces mounting pressure on resources and environment. Employment, social security and wealth distribution pose pressing challenges. China's per capita GDP is behind 100th place in the world. More than forty million rural population still live in poverty. Every year, over twenty-four million enter the job market. The point is, China still remains at the primary stage of socialism and there is a long way to go before it is modernized.

Ambassador Zhang summarized his points on China's commitments and roles in the international arena. China will shoulder the task of defending peace. We will firmly stick to the road of peaceful development, in disregard of what development levels China reaches. China follows an independent foreign policy of peace. China will work to assist development. To promote common development is an important part of China's foreign policy. The Chinese government has been practicing this policy by providing long-standing assistance to other developing countries according to its ability. We call for greater representation and say of developing countries in reformed international financial institutions. China is to resolve problems. It is committed to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. It will keep its efforts to settle international disputes and regional conflicts peacefully. China has actively guided and participated in the Six-Party Talks on Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. It has also engaged in talks on the Iranian nuclear issue, Myanmar and Darfur, and plays a constructive role. China will work to advance cooperation. It played an active and important role in the global efforts to fight the financial crisis and facilitate a global recovery. It has been working closely with other nations to tackle such challenging issues as food, energy, and public health, which can well reflect that China takes its responsibility as a big country.

Ambassador Zhang concluded his speech by stressing the importance of Asia-Pacific regions. He said the relationship between China and Australia is at a new starting point. He hopes that both countries will work hard to make our good wishes a reality in advancing bilateral relations and cooperative efforts in international arena, and will open up new prospect in China-Australia relations.

Ambassador Zhang's remarks won big applaud from over 200 attendants present at the meeting. It has been 30 years since La Trobe University started cooperation with its Chinese partners. Over 1300 Chinese students are now studying in La Trobe University. In 2005, the university established Australia's first Centre for China Studies in collaboration with the two leading Chinese universities---Beijing Foreign Studies University and Peking University, and committed itself to broad China research and cooperation.