China's new ambassador to Australia, Liu Jinsong, has arrived in Canberra and immediately issued a warning to the Australian government, urging it to respect Beijing's "core interests and major concerns." The veteran diplomat's appointment comes amid ongoing tensions between the two nations concerning security, military activities, and the future of the Port of Darwin.
Liu, who previously oversaw Asian affairs at China's Foreign Ministry, stated that both sides should "strive to expand the pie of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation." Beijing frequently uses the phrase "core interests" to refer to issues such as Taiwan and national sovereignty. The ambassador's arrival and his initial public statements occur at a critical juncture for Australia-China relations, which have seen some stabilization after a period of trade disputes and diplomatic frostiness under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government.
Beijing has recently lifted trade bans on approximately $20 billion worth of Australian exports, and high-level dialogues have resumed. Liu acknowledged these improvements, noting the "fundamentally strong" relationship due to growing economic and people-to-people links. He characterized the countries as having "no historical grievances, no fundamental conflicts of interest, highly complementary economies, and mutually reinforcing cultures," while also emphasizing the importance of managing differences.
Despite the thaw in some areas, significant strategic divisions persist. Australia has expressed concerns over China's military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, while Beijing criticizes Canberra's defense partnerships, particularly its close ties with the United States. Australia condemned China's test of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into the Pacific in July, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong describing the act as destabilizing and contrary to the wishes of Pacific Island nations seeking an "ocean of peace."
The future of the Port of Darwin remains another point of contention. The strategically important port is leased to Chinese-owned Landbridge under a 99-year agreement. Both major Australian political parties have indicated support for returning the port to Australian ownership, a move that Beijing has warned against. Former ambassador Xiao Qian had previously stated that any action affecting the lease could damage Chinese investor confidence and provoke a response from Beijing.
China continues to be Australia's largest trading partner, with substantial annual trade in resources, agriculture, and education. Liu suggested that strengthening ties between ordinary citizens would be crucial for maintaining the broader relationship, highlighting a "common spirit of resilience and self-reliance" shared by the people of both nations.
During his time in Sydney, Liu was photographed with two prominent leaders of Chinese organizations associated with the Communist Party's United Front network, which promotes Beijing's policy of "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan. The Chinese embassy later published these photographs.
Liu has previously been involved in high-profile diplomatic exchanges, including a tense interaction with Japan over Taiwan. In late 2025, after a Japanese official commented on potential involvement in a Taiwan conflict, Liu was photographed looking down at a Japanese diplomat. Chinese state media widely circulated the image, using it to symbolize Beijing's diplomatic assertiveness.