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Defence leaders attend 21st annual Australia-China dialogue

aus china sstrategic defence dialogue
Australia and China will seek to tighten strategic relations at the 21st annual Aus-China defence strategic dialogue (Source Dept of Defence)

Secretary of Defence Greg Moriarty and Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell visited the People’s Republic of China this week to conduct the Australia-China Defence Strategic Dialogue.

Secretary of Defence Greg Moriarty and Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell visited the People’s Republic of China this week to conduct the Australia-China Defence Strategic Dialogue.

Held in Beijing on 29 October 2018, the dialogue was hosted by Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), General Li Zuocheng.

This year marked the 21st year of the annual dialogue – a key part of regular bilateral engagement activities which brings together senior leaders from the Australian Department of Defence and the PLA to discuss a range of regional security issues, including maritime security.

Moriarty said Australia’s bilateral defence relationship with China was underpinned by a common interest in ensuring a strong, stable and prosperous region.

"The Australia-China defence relationship is an important part of our broader bilateral relationship," he said.

GEN Campbell said the Australia-China Defence Strategic Dialogue provided a useful forum in which frank and open discussion on a number of regional challenges could occur.

"This year’s exchange of views was again productive and included discussions on maintaining regional peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea," GEN Campbell said. 

Australia will host the 22nd Australia-China Defence Strategic Dialogue in Canberra next year. The annual dialogue is an opportunity to discuss the full breadth of issues in the bilateral relationship, as well as key regional and global issues of mutual concern.

Stephen Kuper

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.