China is not a strategic threat: Australian opposition leader

BRISBANE, Australia, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Australian opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull said here Saturday that Australia should not see China as a strategic threat or a potential rival.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) talks with Malcolm Turnbull, leader of  the Australian opposition Liberal Party, at Brisbane, Australia, Oct. 31,  2009.(Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)

Turnbull, leader of the Australian opposition Liberal Party, made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang at Brisbane airport.

Turnbull noted that his party, whether in power or in opposition, has always pursued a positive China policy and has built a strong, deep and fruitful relationship with China for years.

The Liberal Party believes that China is taking the road of peaceful development and Australia should not treat China as a strategic threat or a potential competitor, he said.

His party would like to work with the Chinese side to strengthen cooperation in tackling global challenges such as climate change and to further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries, he said.

The Liberal Party sticks to the one-China policy and respects and supports the Chinese government's efforts to safeguard the country's national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national reunification, Turnbull said, adding that his party would not support any forces that seek to split China.

Li expressed appreciation for the Liberal Party's adherence to the one-China policy and its upholding of the principle that Tibet is part of Chinese territory.