(29-30 May 2013, Canberra & Sydney )
The Honorable Deputy Speaker Bruce Scott,
The Honorable Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop,
Mr. Lin Jun, Chairman of All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to the "Beauty of Tibet" Art Exhibition. Tashi Delek!
Harmony, openness and diversity are the notable features of the Chinese culture.
The distinctive culture of the Tibet region is one of the most special and beautiful flowers in the Chinese cultural garden.
The paintings on display today depict a rapidly-developing Tibet in the family of the Chinese nation.
They vividly present before us the magic beauty of the land of "Shangri-La".
The beauty of Tibet not only lies in its natural landscape and culture, but more importantly in its development.
Since its peaceful liberation 62 years ago, phenomenal changes have taken place in Tibet's social outlook and economic development.
Its religious beliefs, cultural traditions and natural environment have been carefully preserved.
The changes of Tibet are a perfect example of the development of China's ethnic minority regions.
Phenomenal changes have also taken place in China-Australia relations.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, our two countries have marched together through wind and rain, and bilateral relationship has traveled a glorious journey.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard's visit to China last April was a great success, bringing China-Australia relations to a new strategic height.
The outstanding outcomes of the visit are as follows: the establishment of a strategic partnership of mutual trust and mutual benefit; the setting up of an annual meeting mechanism between the prime ministers of the two countries; the conclusion of a series of agreements on cooperation, including the direct trading between Chinese RMB and Australian Dollar.
It is important that we work together to implement the consensus reached by the leaders, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and promote long-term and stable development of bilateral relations, so as to create another 40 years of glorious development of China-Australia relations.
To promote a strong China-Australia cooperation is a cross-party consensus and supported whole-heartedly by our people. It is also the common responsibility of us all.
The development of Tibet and the China-Australia relations also carries the ardent expectation of the "Chinese Dream".
Since its founding 64 years ago, the People's Republic of China has made great strides in national development.
The 1.3 billion Chinese people have never been so close to their own dream.
The "Chinese Dream" is to achieve prosperity of the country, rejuvenation of the nation and deliver a happy life to the people.
To this end, China needs a peaceful international environment. Without peace, there will be no smooth development. Without development, there will be no lasting peace. It is true for China and for the world at large.
China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, pursue the win-win strategy of opening up, and make joint efforts with other countries to realize the common development and prosperity.
The "Chinese Dream" is open, inclusive and can be shared. It not only belongs to China, but also to the whole world.
To achieve the "Chinese Dream" is not to be self-important or shifting problems onto others.
China will never seek hegemony or external expansion, and will always remain a strong force for world peace.
Meanwhile, China will never give up its legitimate rights or sacrifice its core national interests.
Not only China but also all the other countries in the world should follow the path of peaceful development.
For this is the only way for countries to achieve common development and peaceful coexistence.
As the European saying goes, Men grow great by dreams.
I believe the Chinese and Australian peoples should and will work hand in hand to pursue their dreams and create a brighter future.
