【By Observer Net, Liu Bai】The 80th anniversary commemoration of China's victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression has attracted widespread attention. Among the foreign guests announced by China, Australian media noticed two former Australian officials, namely Bob Carr, former Australian Foreign Minister, and Dan Andrews, former Premier of Victoria.

Regarding being invited to attend the Chinese celebration, Carr was very pleased. He said on the 29th, "China's victory over Japan is a historical event worth celebrating." Carr emphasized that maintaining good Sino-Australian relations is in Australia's interest, and he would not regret his contribution to it.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Carr said he was very happy to participate in this event.

"China's victory over Japan is a historic event worth celebrating!"

He hopes to use the opportunity of the Chinese event to communicate with diplomats from Southeast Asia and former leaders from New Zealand. Former Prime Ministers Clark and John Key of New Zealand are also on the list of foreign guests.

"Striving to build a good relationship with China is in Australia's interest, and I will never regret my contribution to it," Carr said.

Former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr (left), former Premier of Victoria Dan Andrews (right)

In January this year, when interviewed by Global Times, Carr said, "In the Australian political arena, there is a consensus between the ruling party and the opposition that Sino-Australian relations are crucial and should be improved, especially in strengthening trade cooperation."

Carr told the reporter that trade is the biggest cornerstone of Sino-Australian relations, and in this field where both countries can achieve mutual benefits, Australia has benefited from China's economic growth.

Carr and Andrews both come from the Australian Labor Party. Born in 1947, Carr worked as a journalist, served as the Premier of New South Wales for a long time, and was the Australian Foreign Minister from 2012 to 2013. After leaving politics, Carr served as the Director of the Australian Centre for China Research at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

Andrews led the Victorian Labor Party to win the state election in 2014 and became the Premier of Victoria, and was re-elected in 2018 and 2022. He announced his resignation from the position of Premier and member of parliament on September 26, 2023, ending his nine-year tenure as Premier. During his term, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China on the Belt and Road Initiative, making Victoria the first state in Australia to join the Belt and Road Initiative.

Sino-Australian relations have been showing signs of improvement recently. In July, Australian Prime Minister Albanese made an official visit to China.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated that under the leadership of the leaders of the two countries and the joint efforts of both sides, Sino-Australian relations have continued to improve. The Chinese side is willing to work with Australia to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and promote the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia.

On August 28, the Chinese government announced that 26 foreign heads of state and government leaders will attend the 80th anniversary commemoration of the victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Many foreign media outlets have used words such as "first time", "rare", "milestone", and "grand event" to report and analyze this.

Russian President's Press Secretary and Kremlin Spokesman Peskov said on the 27th that Russia is currently actively preparing for Putin's visit to China, and Russian President Putin's visit to China is "unprecedented". He said, "Putin will make an unprecedented visit to China, and the relevant preparations are currently being actively carried out."

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) described the visits of Putin and Kim Jong-un as "a milestone", and emphasized that this is Kim Jong-un's first participation in a multilateral international event.

Minister Assistant Hong Lei said that the foreign guests attending this year's commemoration mainly have three characteristics.

Firstly, they are of high rank. A large number of foreign heads of state and government leaders will attend, which reflects the high importance that various countries attach to this commemoration organized by China and the friendly feelings towards the Chinese people. Second, they have strong representativeness. The attendees cover all five continents, indicating the general recognition of the international community regarding China's historical contributions and global significance in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Third, the participation is extensive. There are both government officials and ordinary people, many international friends and their descendants are well known in China. We warmly welcome them to come to China.

This article is exclusive to Observer Net. Without permission, it cannot be reprinted.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7543994614554903094/

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