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Asia-Pacific

Sino-Aussie ties strong despite Rio Tinto case

By Wang Hongyi and Tang Zhihao (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-05-19 07:58

SHANGHAI - Despite the Rio Tinto lawsuit, the relationship between Australia and China is still "in very good shape," Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith said on Tuesday.

The Australian foreign minister started his visit to Shanghai from May 18 to 19 to formally open the Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai 2010 Expo. It is his first visit to Shanghai as foreign minister, and he is also the first Australian minister to visit Expo.

On March 29, Stern Hu, former executive of mining giant Rio Tinto in Shanghai, and his colleagues Wang Yong, Ge Minqiang and Liu Caikui were convicted of taking bribes and stealing trade secrets. They were sentenced to imprisonment, ranging from seven to 14 years, fined 7.7 million yuan ($1.1 million) and their properties were confiscated. Overseas media quoted Smith as having said the verdict was too harsh "by Australian standards".

"We had differences over Stern Hu's case, but the strength of two countries' relationship continues," said Smith. "We have learned in recent times to manage such issues in a way which does not impact adversely on our relationship."

On Monday, appeals by three former employees of Rio Tinto were rejected. The Higher People's Court of Shanghai upheld the original sentences, saying the cases were handled appropriately. Australian employee Hu did not appeal his 10-year jail sentence.

"We will continue to provide him (Hu) with consular support and assistance as we have done from day one," said Smith.

Smith also gave a speech at Fudan University yesterday, with the theme "Australia and China: Great Potential and Great Prospects".

"The Australia-China relationship is, by any measure, a comprehensive bilateral relationship. It is one of Australia's most important and high profile bilateral relationships. Its scale, depth and breadth are often, however, under-appreciated, both in China and in Australia," Smith said in his speech.

"Australia's policies towards China will continue to be constructive and forward-looking, informed by our long-term strategic interests and our sense of optimism about this."

When talking about the Expo and Australia's pavilion, Smith said the event offers a unique opportunity to showcase Australia and Australian culture to the estimated seven million Chinese and overseas visitors who will visit the pavilion.

"One of our main drawing cards is the design of the pavilion itself - it is a testament to Australian innovation and creativity. The pavilion's friendly bilingual staff is another. Inside, our pavilion presents images of the modern Australia as a welcoming place to live and visit," he said.

China Daily