China and Australia agreed Wednesday to improve parliamentary exchanges to promote cooperation between the two countries.  

While holding talks with David Hawker, speaker of the House of Representatives of the Australian Federal Parliament, top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo suggested that the two sides should set up a working mechanism between the two parliaments for better exchanges and cooperation.

"The mechanism should help secure that parliamentary leaders of the two sides would maintain regular exchange of visits and contacts to exchange views on key issues timely," said Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

"It is imperative to enhance exchanges and cooperation between the special committees, friendship groups and operational bodies of the two parliaments," Wu said, adding that it also needs to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two parliaments within the framework of international and regional organizations.

Hawker said the House of Representatives of the Australian Federal Parliament values its relations with the NPC and will take Wu's suggestion into serious consideration.

Wu briefed Hawker on China's newly adopted Anti-Secession Law.

He told Hawker that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China. "Although the mainland and Taiwan haven't realized reunification, the truth that they belong to one China has never changed," he said.

Wu said the Anti-Secession Law reflects the common aspiration of all Chinese people, which has won support and understanding from the majority of the international community.

Hawker said Australia's adherence to the one-China policy is consistent and clear.

China and Australia established diplomatic ties in 1972. China is now Australia's third largest trade partner and second largest export market. The trade volume between the two countries exceeded US$20 billion in 2004.

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2005)