Australian former PM praises great changes in China

by Xinhua writer Jiang Yaping

SYDNEY, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Australian former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam has praised the fundamental changes that have taken place over the past decades in China, saying the Chinese government had done a lot to achieve the great success in social progress.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Whitlam, who served as prime minister from 1972 to 1975, said he had paid 11 visits to China since 1972 and witnessed the great changes and progress in China over the years. The most impressive change, he said, was the remarkable improvement of the Chinese people's living standard.

The great success proved that the Chinese government served the people well, the veteran politician said. He also noted that the good relationship between Australia and China over the past years had shown that countries with different social systems could live together and cooperate well.

It was under Whitlam's leadership that Australia established formal diplomatic relations with China in 1972.

During the exclusive interview in his office in central Sydney, the 93-year-old Whitlam recalled his first visit to Beijing. "I was the first Australian leader to visit Beijing, and received a warm welcome by Premier Zhou Enlai," he said proudly.

He said he was very impressed by Premier Zhou's ability and wisdom. "He understood English though he talked to me through interpreter during the meeting. But when we finished the formal talks and went out of the meeting room, he spoke to me in English."

Talking about why he made great efforts to set up diplomatic ties with China, Whitlam said when he was elected into the Federal Parliament in 1952, he realized that Australia had to be accustomed to dealing with the countries in Asia, like Japan and China.

"China would be a very important country in Asia and Australia must have good relations with Beijing," he remarked.

As the longest-lived prime minister in Australia, Whitlam said that during his political life in the past five decades, he never had anything to do with Dalai Lama nor met Dalai Lama once. He also hoped incumbent Prime Minister Kevin Rudd would take into account China's stand while handling sensitive issues.