Keating Compliments Wang, While Opposition Takes Aim at Backchannel Diplomacy

Former Australian PM Paul Keating says Beijing’s Foreign Minister “displayed a keen understanding of Australia’s strengths” following a private meeting.

Former prime minister Paul Keating addresses the National Press Club by audio visual link in Canberra, Australia, on March 15, 2023. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Former Prime Minister Paul Keating has had what he described as a “big picture discussion about the geostrategic balances and influences in the world” with Beijing’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Following the pair’s hour-long meeting on March 21 at the Chinese consulate in Sydney, Mr. Keating said Mr. Wang “displayed a keen understanding of Australia’s strengths. Its complementarity with China’s own economy and the prospect of ever-rising living standards for both countries.”