Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Australia to give up “double standards” and join efforts to maintain the momentum of improving bilateral ties, as Canberra voiced concerns over Beijing’s military development and a recent missile test.
In a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Tuesday, Wang said Canberra and Beijing should address differences on the basis of mutual respect and equality.
“Both sides should seek common ground while managing disagreements and foster a virtuous cycle of positive growth in relations, rather than allowing them to be disrupted or undermined by prejudice,” Wang said, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.
He also expressed the hope that Australia would uphold the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and abandon double standards, the foreign ministry said.
The two diplomats met in Manila on the sidelines of an Asean-led gathering of foreign ministers.
Wong reiterated Australia’s consistent approach towards Beijing, according to a transcript of opening remarks released by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.