On 16 February 2024, Chinese Consulate-General in Brisbane Dr Ruan Zongze met with Mayor Terry James in Cairns to exchange views on practical cooperation and sister city relations. Vice Mayor Brett Moller attended.

    Consul-General Dr Ruan expressed sympathy for the recent flood disaster caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper. He said, addressing climate change is a common issue for all humanity, and we can cooperate in various fields such as CO2 emission reduction. The friendship between Zhanjiang city and Cairns region has yielded fruitful results. We look forward to the continuation of friendship in the future. The Chinese Consulate-General is willing to provide active assistance. I hope that Cairns will continue to protect the legitimate rights and interests of overseas Chinese and international students, so as to help them better integrate into local community.

    Mayor James warmly welcomed Consul-General Ruan and said, China's green industry, especially the new energy industry, is advanced and worth learning for Cairns. I have visited our sister city Zhanjiang twice and am willing to continue strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two peoples. Cairns Regional Council actively supports local Chinese community in promoting Chinese culture and also welcomes more Chinese tourists to visit.