Former Australian PM hails China's growth

SYDNEY - Bob Hawke, former Australian prime minister, has said China's achievement and peaceful rise contribute greatly to the world's progress and prosperity.

Speaking at a reception held Friday at China's Consulate General in Sydney to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Hawke said China had achieved unparalleled achievement in the past 62 years, which not only improved Chinese people's living standard, but also contributed much to the prosperity of the world.

"Many countries have benefited from it (China's achievement). The Asian region of course benefited from it. But I would suggest you that no country in the world has benefited more from China's achievement than us in Australia," he said.

Hawke said Australia and China have established a remarkable relationship. "Australia has been in a better position amid the global financial crisis than most developed countries,... fundamentally because of this remarkable bilateral relationship and continuously booming market in China."

Other keynoters including Duan Jielong, Chinese consul-general in Sydney and Barry O'Farrell, state premier of New South Wales, also shared their insights with hundreds of guests upon China's progress and the promising prospect of China-Australian friendship.