Fax from : 20/ 02/ 97 12: 17 Pg:
PRIME MINISTER
DENG-XIAOPING,
I have today on behalf of the Australian Government and people sent to
Premier Li Peng the following message of condolence on the death of Deng
Xiaoping: " One Qf China ' s most significant leaders, Deng Xiaoping played
a key role in China ' s modern history. The growing prosperity of
China is his enduring legacy. On behalf of the Government and
people of Australia, I extend our condolences and sympathy to
the Chinese Government and the people of China on his death.
Australia and China have many important interests in commonL
Iwould like to take this opportunity to reiterate my desire to
further strengthen our relationship in the future.
Deng Xiaoping was the central force behind the modernisation and opening up
of China's economy and in bringing China out of its isolation. He was a
motivating force behind the dynamic growth that China has enjoyed in the past
years, and that has had a huge impact on China and important consequences
for the region and the world.
As I told President Jiang Zemmn last year in Manila, Australia remains firmly
committed to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with China. There
will be differences but there are also very important common interests and we
should build on these.
My visit to China in late March will provide an invaluable opportunity to
strengthen the relationship.
1997
Fax from: PRIME MINISTER CA14B EMA
My dear Premier
One of China's most significant leaders, Deng Xiaoping played a key role in
China's modem history. The growing prosperity of China is his enduring
legacy. On behalf of the Government and people of Australia, I extend our
condolences and sympathy to the Chinese Government and the people of China
on his death.
Australia and China have many important interests in common. I would like to
take this opportunity to reiterate my desire to further strengthen our relationship
in the future.
Yours s cerely
( John Howard)
H. E. Mr Li Peng
Premier of the State Council
BEUING THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA 20/ 82/ 97 12: 17 Pg: 2