The Qing Dynasty Guanyin statue was illegally exported to Australia and seized by the Australian Customs officials in May, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

In 2009, China and Australia signed an agreement to protect cultural relics and strike down illegal activities. Australia's Minister for the Arts, Senator George Brandis, said the return signifies the country’s commitment to foster the cultural ties and artistic relationship between the two countries.

Australia is one of the 18 countries who have signed the deal with China to crack down on the smuggling of Chinese cultural relics, and also the main passage of illegal exportation of Chinese cultural properties.

In his speech, ambassador Ma Zhaoxu said that the return of the statue marks a further implementation of Australia’s commitment made with China on protect Chinese cultural relics, and also a successful judicial cooperation between the two countries.