April.23, Ambassador Zhang Junsai held Reception welcoming the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay at Parliament House. Ms Kate Ellis, Australian Federal Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr John Coates, President of Australian Olympic Committee, Mr Jon Stanhope, ACT Chief Minister, Mr Jiang Xiaoyu, Vice President of BOCOG,torch bearers and their families as well as about a thousand guests attended this reception.

Ambassador Zhang said that it will be less than 4 months before the Beijing Olympic Games is held. In my mind, the Olympic Game is one of mankind's greatest inventions. It is about sports, about people competing with each other in sports; It is about communications and respect among peoples of different social and cultural backgrounds; It is about inspiration, perseverance, struggle to success and all the beautiful sentiments of mankind; It enlightens, purifies people and binds people. It is a bridge instead of a wall.

The year 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of China's implementation of the policy of reform and opening to the world. For China, Beijing Olympic Games is a window opening wider to the world, a gesture of good-will from the 1.3 billion of Chinese people and a platform to make friends with the world. For the rest of the world, Beijing Olympic Games is an opportunity to know and understand China---- a fast growing economy and a nation with 1/4th of the world population and 5000 years of civilization.

He expressed his happiness that Canberra has been chosen as the only Oceanian city for the Beijing Olympic torch relay. For me, the torch relay not only spreads Olympic spirit, but also serves a platform to showcase Canberra and Australia, and to celebrate China-Australia relations and Beijing- Canberra sister city relations.

He also mentioned that China is now the No.1 trading partner of Australia. There are 90,000 Chinese students studying in Australia. Last year 350,000 Chinese tourists visited Australia and that number is increasing at an annual rate of 13%. A sound China-Australia relationship benefits both of our peoples. A successful Beijing Olympic torch relay is in the common interests of both of our two countries and enjoys wide support from majority of the Australian people.

On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, he paid tribute and express heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed in one way or another to a successful Olympic torch relay. He said that your good will and support is greatly appreciated and will be remembered. We are touched by the overwhelming enthusiasm from the torch bearers and their families. Great support also comes from the Chinese communities and students. He wish the Canberra leg of Beijing Olympic Torch Relay a success!.