SPEECH BY THE RT HON. MALCOLM FRASER, PRIME MINISTER OF
AUSTRALIA, AT THE BANQUET IN HONOUR OF PREMIER HUA KUO-FENG
JUNE 23RD 1976.
Premier Hua Kuo-feng, distinguished Chinese
friends, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Now that our discussions have concluded I want
to express my very great appreciation for the hospitality
you have shown to me, to my wife and to the members of the
Australian delegation. Both you yourself, and those
members of the Chinese people we have been fortunate enough
to meet, have treated us with unfailing courtesy and warmth,
and I know this has been appreciated by us all.
The lengthy discussions we have had over the last
few days have been friendly and candid. We have spoken
plainly to each other which is the only way two nations
wishing to improve their mutual understanding can talk to
each other. We have appreciated the detail with which you
made the Chinese presentation, and we in our turn have sought
to present Australia's Foreign Policy comprehensively. A
major purpose of our discussions has been to advance the
vitally important process of identifying common interests.
This has been achieved. As we have presented our independent
views of the world, we have confirmed that there are many
important matters on which our views are similar. There are,
of course, some matters on which we do not agree, and we have
spoken about these frankly, but areas of agreement have been
very broad and important. We each have spoken of our
commitment to: World peace and security based on respect for
national independence.
The rejection of policies based on the
subordination of one race to another a
subordination which offends the fundamental
principles of human dignity. We all deplore
the events of recent days which have led to
such tragic results. / 2
Resolution in opposing the attempt of any
great power to dominate other nations, and
The belief that nations should make adequate
provision for their legitimate defence needs.
One basic matter on which there is agreement is the need to
assess the world realistically, to see it as it is and not
as we would like it to be. We for our part will base our
Foreign Policy not on a country's ideology or its social
system but on that country's actions and the extent to which
shared interests can be identified.
The identification of those matters where there
are similar assessments is a crucial part of the process
of implementing a sound Foreign Policy. It is a process that,
in Australia's view, requires greater attention than it has
received in the past. There is a great value in regular
discussions at different levels in advancing the
identification of shared interests and elaborating one's
analysis of the international situation. Australia, I
believe, is well placed to pursue this process because it
has good relations with many important countries concerned
with the Asia/ Pacific area. Australia has close and warm
relations with the A. S. E. A. N. group of countries, with
Papua New Guinea and Nations of the South Pacific. I have
come to Peking from Japan where I signed, on behalf of
Australia, a Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation and where
both myself and our Foreign Minister, Mr Peacock, had
wide-ranging discussions with the Leaders of Japan. Shortly
I will be going to the United States to meet with
President Ford. In all of my discussions I have been, and
will be, seeking further clarification of those areas where
important interests c. re shared.
A realistic view of the world requires that we
place great emphasis on assessing priorities. Particularly
in the current international situation clarification of
priorities is of fundamental importance so that countries
can ensure that all their international dealings at all
levels advance the major objectives that they have set
themselves to achieve. And it may well be that in pursuit
of major objectives some matters of lesser importance ought
to be set aside. For our part our dealings with other
countries will be based on mutual respect and peaceful
co-operation. The chances for international peace and
development will be greatly enhanced if major powers can
base their relations on non-interference in other countries
at all levels. In securing the peaceful development of the
world and the well-being of its peoples China can have a
most positive and constructive role. By her words and by her
actions China can help clarify and advance constructive
relations between States. The future of people everywhere
will be profoundly influenced by the course China pursues. . o ./ 3
China has a long perspective on the World. In the last
few days I have seen some of the past achievements of the
long Chinese Civilisation. I know that China seeks also to
look far into the future. The present time is an important
one in setting the course for that long journey.
I am confident that our discussions have further
advanced relations between China and Australia and have
established a new stage for further constructive dealings
at various levels in the future. Mr Premier, I am delighted
that both you and your Foreign Minister have expressed your
willingness to pay us a visit at appropriate times. The
members of the Australian Delegation are now looking forward
very much, Mr Premier, to our visit to other parts of China
and to meeting more of the Chinese people. Let me now take
this opportunity to thank you once again most warmly for
your excellent hospitality.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen I would like
you to join me in a Toast
To the prosperity and well-being of China and
her people
To the health of Chairman Mao Tse-tung
To the health of Premier Hua Kuo-feng, and to the
further growth of friendship and understanding
between China and Australia.