BEIJING, Oct. 29 (People's Daily Online) -- A Foreign Ministry spokesman said Mondaythat a recent white paper issued by the Australian government will help the countrybetter understand and engage Asia.
"We hope the white paper will help the Australian people to have an objective andcomprehensive understanding of Asia, promote mutual trust and cooperation and helpmaintain regional peace, stability and development," spokesman Hong Lei said at aregular press briefing.
Hong was referring to "Australia in the Asian Century," a paper released on Sundaythat maps out a plan for Australia to grasp new opportunities in the near future byforging stronger ties with Asian countries.
"The pursuit of peace, development and cooperation has become the trend of thetimes. It is also in the common interest of all countries in the Asia-Pacific region," Hongadded.
The paper, written by economist Dr. Ken Henry and leading Australian experts in theacademic, corporate and social sectors, sets a number of targets for the next 13 yearsto "ensure Australia can fulfill its ambitions and compete effectively within Asia."
