As China and Australia become ever more intertwined, there is one humble club leading the way in nurturing the relationship between the two countries from a football perspective.
A-League outfit the Newcastle Jets have recently been purchased by Chinese businessman Martin Lee, and his dream of connecting his homeland with Australia -- the current champions of Asia -- is starting to come to fruition.
Lee, who also invests heavily in Chinese football through Shenzhen Renren, as well as European football, could become one of the game's more influential figures in time. For now, though, with the Jets' first competitive game under his ownership about to take place -- an FFA Cup tie with Melbourne Victory at Broadmeadow on Wednesday night -- Lee is simply enjoying the potential that exists within his investment.
"China and Australia are close partners, and are relatively complementary," Lee told ESPN FC.
"Football is a significant link, and Newcastle Jets will be an essential carrier not only to promote the cultural, sports and tourism communication between the two countries, but also the same with Newcastle and Shenzhen as cities.
"This acquisition will cause great chemical reactions both for China and Australia."
It is clear that Lee's aspirations are lofty. But with Newcastle having not qualified for the A-League finals series in six seasons, there is much for the CEO and Chairman of the Ledman Group to accomplish before he reaches his ultimate goal.
An area which the new Jets owner has already claimed victory is in the retention of key staff, led by gifted young coach Scott Miller. The former Fulham assistant demonstrated great leadership throughout his first season in charge, taking the Jets to the brink of a post-season appearance.
Now that Miller has had time to bring in the likes of Englishman Wayne Brown and local product Andrew Hoole ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, it appears the future is once again bright for a club which resides in one of Australia's football heartlands.
Martin Lee says that the Newcastle Jets will play an essential role in the growing relations between China and Australia.
Before embarking on the next A-League season, however, the Jets must negotiate a tricky passage through the FFA Cup. They have drawn traditional powerhouse Melbourne Victory, which is likely to provide Miller's charges with a stern test.
Regardless of that result, or that of any match in the early part of the season, Lee's commitment to Miller's vision and the club more generally should remain unwavering.
"I'm a huge fan of football since my college years," said Lee.
"Eight years ago, Ledman sold its high-tech LED products to the European leagues and started its connection with football.
"In 2011, we became the official cooperative partner of the Chinese Super League -- it was a milestone for our investment in the football industry.
"Later, our industrial chain in football fields expanded through China, investing in Shenzhen Renren, naming the Portuguese second division, the Lega Pro, and now the acquisition of Newcastle Jets.
"Up to now, football has grown to be an essential part of me."
This personal passion speaks to the growing love of football in the world's most populous country which, in turn, breeds a burning desire to win. Chinese Super League clubs continue to lure some of the world's best talent away from Europe, though the national team remains unable to claim its first major international trophy.
Jets manager Scott Miller led Newcastle to the brink of an A-League finals appearance under trying circumstances last season.
The pressure to advance Chinese football is something Lee is relishing, with the 2008 A-League champions, the Newcastle Jets, clearly set to play a pivotal role in an exchange of football knowledge.
"Based on the ambition of the Chinese society to promote football, I hope I can play an important part in the progress of the Chinese football industry achieving huge success and victory in the next 20 years," Lee said.
"Chinese society speaks highly of the acquisition of a top A-League club like the Newcastle Jets."
Lee's enthusiasm appears the perfect tonic for the Jets, who endured a tumultuous five-year period under controversial former owner Nathan Tinkler.
Renewed investment and belief seem to be flooding back into the club in equal measure, which can only aid Lee and Miller in their mission to send the Jets back to the pinnacle of Australian football.
In decades to come, China and Australia will share bonds like never before through all facets of life. And the Newcastle Jets -- a modest club from a regional coal-mining city -- will have been heavily involved in this evolution.
This week, when the players take to the pitch at a small suburban ground in Broadmeadow, that journey truly kicks off.