Chinese ambassador delivers rare address

China's Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian has delivered a rare public address setting the scene for relations between the two countries in the new year. The address comes just days after the Taiwan election. Mr Xiao made strong references to a new chapter in Australia–China relations during his speech. There was also confirmation that there was not yet any further progress on tariffs. Mr Xiao commented on the Chinese naval ship incident in November, saying the ship in question “did not use” sonar pulse. It was reported at the time that Australian divers had been injured as a result of such a usage.