On December 21, 2012, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao exchanged congratulatory messages with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In his congratulatory message, Premier Wen said the Sino-Australian relationship had seen a historic leap in the past 40 years, with their interests deeply integrated, links unprecedentedly close and mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples increasingly deepened. Based on the principles of mutual respect, equal treatment, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, China is ready to make the 40th anniversary a fresh new start to facilitate a new type of state-to-state relationship characterized by sustained, stable and healthy development, in a bid to bring greater well-being to the two peoples, Wen said.

In her message, Gillard said the establishment of diplomatic relations paved the way for the comprehensive, constructive and cooperative relationship Australia and China have built over 40 years. "Our countries agreed that stronger cooperation between us serves the interests of both our countries and our peoples, and of the wider international community," she said, adding the two peoples are partners working together and sharing a bright future together.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also exchanged congratulations with his Australian counterpart Bob Carr on the same day.