<P> Australia's ties to China include its relations with Hong Kong which date back to when both were under British rule . Although Hong Kong, as a special administrative area of China, cannot conduct its own foreign affairs, consular and economic representations exist . Australia maintains a consulate in Hong Kong, while Hong Kong maintains the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Australia . </P> <P> While Australia no longer recognises the Republic of China as the legitimate government of China (or Taiwan), unofficial relations are maintained between Australia and Taiwan . The Taiwan government operates the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia, which fulfills most of the functions of an embassy and consulates at an unofficial level . The Australian counterpart in Taiwan is the Australian Office in Taipei . </P> <P> Australia has been a haven for Chinese migrants for centuries who have, in the modern day, established themselves as a significant minority group in Australian society . There are now large numbers of Australian - born Chinese and Chinese - born migrants / Australian Citizens in the cities of Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane with small Chinese communities in regional centres, particularly in Victoria, and New South Wales . There are also Chinatowns in every Australian capital city, including Darwin and large, public Chinese New Year Celebrations in Melbourne and Sydney . The former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, also has strong connections with Chinese culture having studied Chinese at the Australian National University in Canberra . He also speaks fluent Mandarin . </P> <P> China has established many Confucius Institutes with Australia universities in major capital cities in Australia to foster better cultural ties . </P>

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