Li calls for closer ties with Australia_美文_趣味英语-查字典英语网

Li calls for closer ties with Australia

The talks between Australia and China about a free trade agreement have picked up pace recently, he added. China has been in talks with Australia about an agreement since 2005, but they remain bogged down over issues such as how to treat agricultural goods.

In March, China's biggest maker of equipment for the telecommunication industry, Huawei, was barred from bidding for a $37.5 billion project in Australia "over security concerns".

Australia has made great profits from exporting mineral and livestock products to China, but both sides have differences over prices and market openness, said Su Hao, an expert on international affairs.

"Both countries have to strengthen coordination on pricing based on equality and mutual respect," he added.

Meanwhile, Carr's visit was overshadowed by concerns over Canberra's ties to Washington, with Beijing raising questions over their close military alliance, reports said.

Questions:

1. When did Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr take office?

2. What anniversary did Carr launch?

3. When did the two countries start talks about a free trade agreement?

Answers:

1. March.

2. The 40th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and China.

3. 2005.

About the broadcaster:

Emily Cheng is an editor at China Daily. She was born in Sydney, Australia and graduated from the University of Sydney with a degree in Media, English Literature and Politics. She has worked in the media industry since starting university and this is the third time she has settled abroad - she interned with a magazine in Hong Kong 2007 and studied at the University of Leeds in 2009.