Who was the Prime Minister of Australia when the Joint Communiqué with the People's Republic of China was signed?
Australia–Taiwan relations Relations between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Republic of China dates back in 1909 when the latter was ruled by the Qing dynasty. Since 1972, the political status and legal status of Taiwan are contentious issues. Australia's current position towards Taiwan is largely based on the Joint Communiqué with the People's Republic of China signed by the Whitlam Labor government in 1972. Under this agreement, the Australian government officially adheres to the One-China policy in which Australia recognises the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the ‘sole legitimate government of China.’ Currently, only twenty-one UN member states and the Holy See officially recognise Taiwan. The Joint Communiqué establishes ‘guidelines for official Australian contact with Taiwan,’ explicitly stating that Australia ‘does not consider Taiwan to have the status of national government.’ Despite the Australian government not having an official relationship with Taiwan, a substantial unofficial relationship has developed through cultural and trade links.
Australia–Pakistan relations Australia–Pakistan relations refers to the bilateral relations between Australia and Pakistan. The relations between the two countries have been friendly, with former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf having visited Australia in 2005 and the former Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, also having extended a visit to Pakistan in 2005 as well, following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake which had immensely targeted the northern areas of Pakistan. He also announced 500 new scholarships for students in Pakistan to study in Australia.