China's new ambassador to Australia, Liu Jinsong, has landed in Canberra and warned the government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to respect Beijing's core interests. The veteran diplomat issued the warning upon his arrival as ongoing tensions persist between the two nations over military activity, security, and the future of Darwin Port.
Liu arrived at Sydney Airport on Monday before taking a bus to the Australian Capital Territory alongside members of the public. He reported that he thoroughly enjoyed traveling with ordinary Australians during the journey.
Liu brings extensive foreign service experience to his new role in Canberra. He spent the past five years overseeing Asian affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, following earlier diplomatic postings across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Beijing routinely uses the term core interests when referring to its territorial claims over Taiwan and key issues of national sovereignty. In his inaugural official statement after taking office, Liu called for mutual respect and deeper economic cooperation.
"Looking back, both sides should respect each other's core interests and major concerns, strive to expand the pie of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, increase positive value for each other, and bring greater benefits to ordinary people in both countries," Liu said.
Shortly after arriving at Sydney Airport, Liu prompted potential political friction by appearing in public alongside two prominent leaders of Chinese peaceful reunification groups connected to the United Front network of the Chinese Communist Party.
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Australia later published photographs documenting the airport meeting. Beijing maintains a policy of peaceful reunification aimed at absorbing Taiwan into mainland China through diplomatic pressure, political influence, and economic integration rather than armed conflict. Chinese officials consider cross-strait integration a major national priority.
Diplomatic Ties and Economic Trade
The diplomatic arrival occurs during a delicate period for bilateral relations between Canberra and Beijing. Ties hit a historic low during the administration of former prime minister Scott Morrison, leading China to impose trade sanctions and import restrictions on key Australian exports such as coal, barley, and wine.
Tensions escalated after Australia introduced legislation targeting foreign interference operations, excluded Chinese telecommunications manufacturer Huawei from its 5G mobile networks, and called for an international investigation into the origins of Covid-19.
Relations have stabilized since Anthony Albanese took office as prime minister in May 2022. Albanese has traveled to China twice during his tenure to help repair the bilateral relationship. Beijing has subsequently lifted trade restrictions on roughly $20 billion worth of Australian goods, allowing high-level diplomatic dialogue to resume.
Liu highlighted the expanding economic and cultural connections between the two countries, arguing that the underlying partnership remains robust. China continues to be Australia's largest trading partner, taking in billions of dollars in Australian resources, agricultural products, and educational services annually.
"The two countries have no historical grievances, no fundamental conflicts of interest, highly complementary economies, and mutually reinforcing cultures," Liu stated.
"The prospects for cooperation are promising, but properly managing differences and expectations is also crucial," Liu added.
Liu emphasized that strong connections between ordinary citizens will be essential to protecting the broader bilateral relationship. "Australia is an important country," Liu said. "The people of China and Australia share a common spirit of resilience and self-reliance, and a common desire for the steady development of China-Australia relations and tangible benefits."
Security Disputes and Darwin Port
Despite recent diplomatic progress, significant security differences remain between the two governments. Australia has repeatedly expressed concern over Beijing's expanding military presence across the Indo-Pacific region, while China continues to criticize Canberra's defence alliances and security ties with the United States.
In July, Australia formally condemned China for launching a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the test as a threat to regional stability, stating that leaders of Pacific nations have made clear they want the Pacific to remain an ocean of peace and that Canberra regarded the test as counter to that goal.
The long term ownership of Darwin Port in the Northern Territory represents another key point of contention. The strategic port facility is currently leased to Chinese-owned commercial enterprise Landbridge under a 99-year agreement signed in 2015. However, both major Australian political parties have signaled support for reclaiming the facility for Australian ownership.
Beijing has cautioned Australia against canceling or modifying the commercial agreement. Prior to his departure, former Chinese ambassador Xiao Qian warned that any political interference with the 99-year lease could severely damage Chinese investor confidence and trigger retaliatory action from Beijing.
Diplomatic Confrontation With Japan
Liu previously drew international attention following a high-profile diplomatic confrontation with Japanese officials over Taiwan. In late 2025, Liu held a meeting in Beijing with senior Japanese diplomat Masaaki Kanai.
The meeting followed remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting that Japan could become involved in any potential military conflict across the Taiwan Strait. Following the discussion, Chinese state media outlets widely circulated a photograph showing Liu standing with his hands in his pockets while looking down at Kanai.
The image rapidly circulated across global and domestic social media platforms. Chinese state media outlets promoted the photograph as a visual symbol of Beijing's assertive diplomatic posture on the world stage.
