Premier Li: China-Australia relations to move forward like kangaroos and emus

Premier Li Keqiang adopted kangaroos and emus, two species unique to Australia, to symbolize the fast progressing relations between China and the Oceanian country in his article published on The Australian on Wednesday before his arrival in Canberra.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrives in the Australian capital of Canberra Wednesday night for an official visit. [Photo/Xinhua]

"I was told that for its national emblem, Australia picks a kangaroo and an emu, two native Australian species. Neither of the two likes moving backward but only forward, symbolizing a dynamic country that always moves forward in progress," the premier said in the article entitled "We Want to Work with You for Progress and Peace".

The premier said that the two countries have built up trust and managed differences in the spirit of equality and mutual respect since the establishment of diplomatic ties. China and Australia tied the knot 45 years ago in 1972.

Li said the Chinese people admire Australians for their perseverance and courage to forge ahead as the Australian national anthem says "let every stage in history’s page advance Australia fair".

He also said "advance" is a shared key word in both countries’ national anthems and he is confident that the two partners will continue to move forward as they have chosen while working together to address global instability with stability.