On March 22, 2004, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with visiting Deputy Secretary Murray McLean of Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Diaoyutai State Guest Hotel, who was here in China for security and disarmament consultations. The two sides positively appraised the friendly relations between China and Australia, and exchanged views on enhancing exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields. Li also expounded China's stance on the situation in Taiwan. McLean said that the Australian government will adhere to the one-China policy and is keeping a close eye on the development of situation in Taiwan.

On that same day, Vice Minister of Chinese foreign ministry Zhang Yesui held security and disarmament consultations with Murray McLean. The two sides exchanged views in an in-depth manner on such issues as global strategic environment, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, regional security mechanism and situation in the Southern Pacific Region. Vice Foreign Minister Zhou Wenzhong also exchanged views with McLean on bilateral relations between the two countries and other issues of common concern.