Recently, certain Western Australian media portrayed the Chinese bulk carrier “Yuxiaofeng,” which docked at Kwinana Port, as posing a so-called “threat” to the British nuclear submarine. The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Perth immediately contacted relevant parties and hereby clarifies the facts as follows:

The bulk carrier “Yuxiaofeng” arrived at Kwinana Port on 13 February to load barley. In the early hours of 14 February, in accordance with port instructions, the vessel proceeded under pilotage to the inner anchorage to await berthing, as is customary for all grain-loading vessels. On 23 February, again in compliance with port arrangements, the vessel berthed, and four Australian customs officers boarded the ship and completed their routine inspection. After completing loading operations on 25 February, the vessel returned to the inner anchorage as required and departed the port on the afternoon of 26 February.

The facts are clear. The Chinese vessel’s operations were purely commercial in nature and conducted in strict compliance with Australian regulations. Multiple Chinese cargo ships travel to Western Australia each week, transporting iron ore, grain and other commodities, forming an important pillar of cooperation between China and Western Australia. The alleged “threat” is entirely unfounded, even appears to be a deliberate attempt to sensationalise the matter. The West Australian published an article on 26 February clarifying the above facts. The Consulate General has also noted that members of the local community have voiced their support.

At present, the international situation is marked by challenges and changes. China remains committed to the path of peaceful development, advancing high-quality growth and expanding high-level opening-up. As important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, China and Australia have highly complementary economic structures and no fundamental conflicts of interest. We are partners, not adversaries. China’s development represents an opportunity, not a threat, to Australia. China and Western Australia maintain close cooperation. China has been Western Australia’s largest trading partner for 19 consecutive years. People-to-people exchanges between China and Western Australia are robust and dynamic, as evidenced by the vibrant and diverse Chinese New Year celebrations held across the state.

The Consulate General of China in Perth sincerely calls on the Western Australian media to report in an objective and responsible manner, to reflect truthfully the development of bilateral relations and friendly cooperation on the basis of facts, rather than resorting to sensational claims of the so-called “China threat.” The Consulate General stands ready to continue, in the spirit of mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and mutually beneficial cooperation, to work with all sectors in Western Australia to advance practical collaboration and friendly exchanges across various fields for the greater benefit of both peoples.