On November 3, 2009, Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo met in Zhongnanhai with Julie Bishop, deputy leader of Australian opposition Liberal Party (LP) & Australia's shadow minister for foreign affairs. Both sides held friendly talks on bilateral ties as well as other issues of common concern.

Dai said China appreciated the historic contributions made by the LP in deepening the two countries' ties during its administration. Dai said China hoped the LP could continuously play a constructive role in boosting bilateral relations. As long as the two sides adhere to the spirit of mutual respect, equality and common development, and respect each other's state sovereignty, security and development interests, Sino-Australian relations will achieve long-term, healthy and stable development, said Dai.

Bishop first congratulated the Chinese side on the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China and the enormous achievements China has made in national construction, holding that China's sustained economic growth is an important factor for Australia to successfully withstand the financial crisis. She 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.