Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo (R) shakes hands with Julie Bishop, deputy leader of Australian opposition Liberal Party (LP), also Australia's shadow minister for foreign affairs, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2009. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo met here Tuesday with Julie Bishop, deputy leader of Australian opposition Liberal Party (LP).

    Dai said China hoped the LP could continuously play a constructive role in boosting bilateral relations.

    He said China appreciated the historical contributions made by the LP in deepening the two countries' ties during its administration.

    The Australian government had been controlled by the Liberal-National coalition from 1996 to 2007, and the LP is in opposition since losing the 2007 federal election.

    As long as the two sides adhere to the spirit of mutual respect, equality as well as common development, and respect each other's state sovereignty, security and development, Sino-Australian relations will achieve long-term, healthy and stable development, said Dai.

    Bishop, also Australia's shadow minister for foreign affairs, said she hoped the two countries could expand cooperation of mutual benefit, on the basis of mutual respect and understanding, and the LP is ready to make active efforts towards this end.

    At the invitation of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Bishop began the three-day tour to China on Monday.