中澳簽署自由貿易協定
China and Australia have signed a declaration of intent on a landmark free trade deal after about a decade of negotiations.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot and visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing ceremony Monday at parliament in the capital, Canberra.
Under the pact, China is expected to open up markets to Australian farm exporters and the services sector, while easing restrictions on Chinese investment in Australia. All tariffs on Australian resources will be scrapped, along with duties on beef and sheep exports. The trade deal will also make it easier for Australian banks, insurance companies and universities to do business in China.
Prior to the signing, President Xi told the Australian parliament that his goal is to double China's national income by 2020 and create a modern socialist country. He said Beijing is dedicated to upholding peace. He received a standing ovation at the end of his address.
Critics of the free trade agreement believe it could raise food prices for Australian consumers.中國和澳大利亞經過10年談判後，簽署了一項有關具有里程碑意義的自由貿易協定意向聲明。
澳大利亞總理阿博特與到訪的中國國家主席習近平在澳大利亞首都堪培拉的議會大廈出席了簽署儀式。
按照自由貿易協定，中國將向澳大利亞農產品和服務業開放市場，同時放鬆對中國在澳大利亞投資的限制。針對澳大利亞資源以及牛羊肉的所有關稅將被取消。此外，自由貿易協議將使澳大利亞銀行、保險公司和大學在中國從事商業活動更加容易。
習近平在簽署儀式前對澳大利亞議員們說，他的目標是在2020年之前將中國的國民收入翻一番，建立一個現代化的社會主義國家。他表示，北京致力於維護和平。習近平講話結束後，議員們起立鼓掌。
反對簽署自由貿易協定的人士說，這種協定可能使澳大利亞消費者承擔更高的食品價格。
