澳大利亚总理霍华德22日高度评价澳大利亚与中国的关系，并说他的新政府将继续坚持一个中国的原则。

　　霍华德在出席悉尼华人社团举行的一次活动中说，他在10月份大选连任后组成的新一届政府“将理所当然地继续坚持一个中国的政策”。他还说，“实现台湾海峡的和平与稳定符合澳大利亚和中国的共同利益。”

　　霍华德说，近些年澳中两国关系，特别是经贸关系的发展十分显著。尽管两国在人口、文化、历史和政治体制等方面存在很大差异，但两国双边关系却越来越牢固。他表示对两国扩大交流和合作充满信心。他愉快地回忆起最近在国际会议上同中国领导人的频繁会晤，并期待着明年访华时再次与他们见面。

　　霍华德还高度评价了澳大利亚的华人社区多年来为澳大利亚的发展和文化多元化作出的杰出贡献。他向所有澳洲华人祝贺新年。

　　中国驻澳大利亚大使傅莹对澳政府坚持一个中国，反对“台独”的立场表示赞赏。他说，这个立场极大地巩固了中澳两国友好关系的政治基础。 (来源：新华网)

　　Australian Prime Minister John Howard said Wednesday that his new government will continue to follow the one-China policy.

　　He said at a gathering of the Chinese community in Sydney, "It remains, of course, the policy of my government to follow the one-China policy, which has been the policy of my government for many years."

　　He also said that Australia and China "have the common interests in ensuring that peace, stability and tranquillity prevails across the Taiwan Straits."

　　Howard, who won his fourth consecutive term as the prime minister in the October elections, made the remarks days after China announced that it will enact a law against secession.

　　Howard recalled the rapid development of Australian-Chinese relations for the past few years, saying he is looking forward to meeting Chinese leaders again when he visits China next year.

　　Chinese Ambassador to Australia Fu Ying said China highly appreciates the Australian government and the prime minister's understanding on the Taiwan issue. "It (the understanding) consolidates the political foundation of our friendly relations," the ambassador said.