Beijing, China – The 23rd Australia-China Defence Strategic Dialogue took place on Monday February 17 in Beijing, marking the resumption of high-level defence discussions between the two nations after a four-year hiatus. The dialogue, last held in 2019, was reinstated following an agreement between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the Annual Leaders’ Meeting in 2024.
The Australian delegation was led by Air Marshal Robert Chipman AO CSC, Vice Chief of the Defence Force, and Hugh Jeffrey, Deputy Secretary of the Strategy, Policy and Industry Group. General Xu Qiling, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff Department of China’s Central Military Commission, headed the Chinese delegation.
The Defence Strategic Dialogue, established in 1997, serves as the premier annual forum for discussions between Australia’s Department of Defence and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The talks were suspended in 2020 but have now resumed, reflecting efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and address regional security concerns.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on a range of critical issues, including bilateral and regional security, military transparency, and communication. Australia emphasized the importance of safe and professional conduct by all nations in the region to prevent miscalculations or escalations. The Australian delegation also underscored the need for adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides the legal framework for maritime activities.
Australia reaffirmed its commitment to respecting sovereignty and maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region. In a statement, China’s defence ministry noted that the two sides held “in-depth discussions” on bilateral military relations, regional security, and other shared concerns. Both parties agreed to enhance strategic communication, manage disputes constructively, and expand defence exchanges and cooperation.
The dialogue was co-hosted by General Xu Qiling, Air Marshal Robert Chipman, and Hugh Jeffrey, highlighting the significance of the event for both nations. The last meeting, held in Sydney in November 2019, paved the way for renewed engagement amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The resumption of the Defence Strategic Dialogue signals a potential thaw in Australia-China relations, with both sides expressing a willingness to address differences and foster greater cooperation in the defence and security spheres.
