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Feature: Chinese President Xi Jinping wins hearts, minds in Australia

(Xinhua)    15:30, November 25, 2014
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CANBERRA, Nov. 25 -- In the week after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Canberra, Australian media have been running stories about this historic visit, analyzing everything from Xi's personal style to the impact of the upcoming China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The Australian media are also in a rare agreement that Xi's visit is an astounding success, which will have its influence in Australia for years.

Brendan Forde, a researcher at the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University, said in an article published in The Canberra Times on Nov. 22 that President Xi "used language broadly accessible and understandable."

He noted that Xi emphasized China's commitment to peace and also acknowledged that there are different views on the rise of China, including concerns about China's intentions.

But Forde thought that Xi's strongest commitments came in reference to Australia. He quoted Xi's speech, which says "it is natural for us to have disagreements on some issues. What is important is that we keep to the right direction of bilateral relations, talk to each other candidly, seek common ground".

"Xi did not articulate a new doctrine or position for China and did not deviate from the standard remarks expected from such an address. While he did respond to criticisms, Sino-Australia relations emerged from the speech," Forde said in his article.

His view was shared by federal MP John Alexander who told Xinhua right after President Xi's speech at the parliament on Nov. 17 that President Xi's using the phrase "big buy in the crowd" showed his sense of humor and also his confidence.

"Big and successful as China is, there are always someone who dislike China and who are envious of China's achievements," Alexander said.

Greg Sheridan, foreign editor at conservative newspaper The Australian, called President Xi's visit a "masterful performance," saying the Chinese president achieved almost everything he wanted.

"The free trade agreement with China has the potential to be transformative for Australia. It locks the two nations much more closely together," Sheridan said in his article published on Nov. 22.

Paul Kelly, The Australian's Editor-at-Large, said in a front-page editorial on Nov. 18 that Xi's visit "is a moment of transformation in Australia-China ties".

"In his speech to the Australian parliament, President Xi Jinping has planted Australia within his dream for a renewed China while in practical terms the bilateral free trade agreement is unprecedented for both nations," he said.

"There was a deeply shared Australia-China vision on display yesterday," Kelly said, referring to President Xi's speech and his meeting with Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Nov. 17.

"Its consequences will touch every Australian household and most Australian industries for many years. The gift China can offer other nations is access to the biggest growing market on earth and that gift has been extended to Australia on a privileged basis," wrote Kelly in the editorial.

Carol-Ann Hussey, a 70-year-old retiree in Canberra, was touched by the sincerity shown by President Xi during his visit. Hussey was impressed that the president had visited Australia many times before. When spending Tuesday afternoon in Tasmania, he has visited every state and territory in Australia.

"He is more widely travelled in Australia than most Australians ourselves," she said.

In Australia Parliament House, 19-year-old Aaron Zee and 22-year-old Ping Tan, both Chinese Australians, were waiting to perform lion dance for guests who were invited to attend the state dinner hosted by Prime Minister Abbott in honor of President Xi's visit.

Zee, a law student, said he had planned to go to China for a three-month language course. He wanted to pursue a business career in relation to China and thought the upcoming China-Australia FTA will be a boon for his future career.

Tan is studying nuclear physics relating to uranium mining at the Australian National University. He said there are rich uranium mines in Australia while China is pushing for more nuclear power plants.

"It is fair to say that my personal future is closely connected with the future of China and the Australia-China relations, which would be shaped by President Xi's historic visit," Tan said.

(Editor:Liang Jun、Zhang Qian)
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