Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Commonwealth of Australia

The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Australian Government, in conformity with the interests and common desire of the two peoples, have decided upon mutual recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations as from December 21, 1972.

The two Governments agree to develop their diplomatic relations, friendship and co-operation between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each others internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

The Australian Government recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China, acknowledges the position of the Chinese Government that Taiwan is a province of the People's Republic of China, and has decided to remove its official representation from Taiwan before January 25, 1973.

The Government of the People's Republic of China appreciates the above stand of the Australian Government.

The two Governments have agreed to exchange Ambassadors as soon as the administrative formalities and practical arrangements have been completed, and to provide each other with all the necessary assistance for the establishment and performance of the functions of diplomatic missions in their respective capitals on the basis of equality and mutual benefit and in accordance with international law and practice.