Australia–China relations

Consular relations between China and Australia were first established in 1909, and diplomatic relations were established in 1941. Australia continued to recognise the Republic of China (ROC) government after it lost the Chinese Civil War and retreated to Taiwan in 1949, but switched recognition to the People's Republic of China (PRC) on 21 December 1972. Chinese Australians have been a significant minority group in the country since the Qing dynasty.

The relationship between China and Australia has grown considerably over the years. They have strong political, economic, and cultural ties, including through multilaterial organisations such as APEC, East Asia Summit and the G20. In 2023, Australia expressed its tentative support for China’s application for membership of the CPTPP. China is Australia's largest two-way trading partner, and the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement has been in effect since 2015. Numerous Australian companies operate in China and Chinese firms have invested in Australian mining companies. Australia is also one of the most popular destinations for overseas higher education and tourism among Chinese people.