Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian giving press conference in Canberra. Opens by thanking Australia for helping international rescue efforts for a Chinese fishing vessel lost in the Indian Ocean, and requests further support 1/

The Ambassador says Australia has already sent three planes and four boats to help the rescue effort. He stresses that President Xi Jinping has publicly directed Chinese government agencies to focus on rescue efforts (ie entire Chines system is treating it as a top priority) 2/

Ambassador says if the last 12 months were about “stabilisation” for Australia-China ties then the next 12 months will be about ramping up communications and exchanges between the two sides 3/

Breaking - the Ambassador says China yesterday lifted a quarantine ban on Australian timber. From today, logs will be allowed back in. He maintains (implausibly) that this was purely a regulatory problem- quarantine officials are now “satisfied” the issues have been fixed 4/

The Ambassador says “as we improve our relationship the Chinese people will have a more favourable attitude to Australia and Australian products” 5/

The Ambassador reiterates Albanese would be welcome to visit China this year. He says officials on both sides are trying to work out a possible date. He criticises the Quad but doesn’t want to comment on Biden’s decision to cancel his trip to Australia 6/

Curious. The Ambassador says China has been using “back channels” to communicate with Australia on its activities in the Pacific. Implies Beijing is trying to reassure Canberra in some way. But no detail 7/

No new lines on either AUKUS and nuclear subs. Then on detained Australians. Ambassador again says he has “personal sympathy” for Cheng Lei and that he has tried to facilitate access for her family. Hopes her case will be concluded as quickly as possible 8/

Interesting. The Ambassador says China has tried to set up a “working group” with Australian officials to discuss its bid for the CPTPP. But he says Australia has refused to participate, and doesn’t want to have a detailed discussion. Which is not exactly hugely surprising 9/