This photo taken from the official Facebook page of the Chinese Embassy in Australia shows the building of the embassy in Canberra.

HONG KONG – The Chinese Embassy in Australia on Wednesday said it resolutely opposed Canberra’s decision to cancel Belt and Road Initiative agreements.   

In a statement, a spokesperson for the embassy said Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne’s announcement to cancel the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation within the Framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the related Framework Agreement between the Chinese side and Government of Victoria was unreasonable and provocative.

“We express our strong displeasure and resolute opposition to the Australian Foreign Minister’s announcement on April 21,” the spokesperson said.

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“This is another unreasonable and provocative move taken by the Australian side against China. It further shows that the Australian government has no sincerity in improving China-Australia relations. It is bound to bring further damage to bilateral relations, and will only end up hurting itself.”

The spokesperson said the BRI is an initiative for economic cooperation, which “follows the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and upholds the spirit of openness, inclusiveness and transparency.”

“It has brought tangible benefits to the participating parties. The BRI cooperation between China and the Victoria state is conducive to deepening economic and trade relations between the two sides, and will promote economic growth and the well-being of the people of Victoria,” the spokesperson added.

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