Chinese students studying in Australia are helping strengthen relations between the countries, Australian Ambassador to China Frances Adamson said on Thursday.
In recent years, trade and investment has increased between China and Australia, and people-to-people exchanges have also developed, said Adamson.
She made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Shenyang-Australia Week – Educational Day, held in Liaoning University, in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning province.
Statistics show that fewer than 5,000 Chinese students went to Australia to study in 1996, but the figure has now exceeded 100,000. China has been the biggest source of foreign students in Australia over past few years.
People-to-people exchanges are a key element in boosting relations between the two sides, said Adamson.
The ceremony was held by the governments of Australia and Shenyang city. Commercial centers and universities in the city will hold activities in a variety of fields, including culture, education, food, consumer goods and agriculture from Aug. 16 to 23.
China and Australia established diplomatic relations 40 years ago.
Xinhua