General Zhao Keshi, Director of the General Logistics Department, People’s Liberation Army, visited Australia this week. General Zhao is a member of China’s Central Military Commission.
This was the first visit to Australia by a member of China’s Central Military Commission since General Guo Boxiong, then Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited Australia in May 2010.
During his visit, General Zhao met with Assistant Minister for Defence the Hon. Stuart Robert MP, the Secretary of Defence, the Chief of the Defence Force and senior Australian Government officials.
In December this year, Australia and China will celebrate the 41st Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and the People’s Republic of China.
Since that time, China has become Australia’s leading trading partner, two-way investment has grown, our people-to-people links have become stronger, and the defence-to-defence relationship is continuing to develop.
Over the last few years, Australia has expanded defence links with China through a range of engagement activities.
In September, the bands of the People’s Liberation Army and Australian Defence Force participated in the Australia-China Military Friendship and Culture Week.
This month, a People’s Liberation Army-Navy ship, PLANS Qingdao, visited Sydney to participate in the International Fleet Review.
General Zhao’s visit provided an important opportunity to build on this strong foundation of practical engagement and dialogue and further strengthen the bilateral defence relationship.