In October 1973 Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, in a diplomatic tour de force, visited Beijing to consolidate the new diplomatic relations between Australia and The People’s Republic of China. It was an extraordinary and historic trip. The Chinese government went to great lengths to welcome the tour party.

David Barr talks to Roger Freney who was a Treasury official who went on the trip with Mr Whitlam. In a fascinating interview, he describes just what the six day tour was like.

The Chinese government has invited Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the event next month.