(MENAFN) Chinese leadership signaled Monday its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Australia through enhanced strategic dialogue and expanded economic collaboration.

Premier Li Qiang articulated Beijing's position during high-level discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the margins of East Asian cooperation summits in Malaysia.

The Chinese official emphasized his nation's determination to advance communication channels and mutually beneficial partnerships. This will deliver more benefits to the two peoples and make greater contributions to peace, stability and development in the region and the world, he said during talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the leaders' meetings on East Asian cooperation held in Malaysia.

Li referenced July meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Albanese that established fresh frameworks for deepening diplomatic connections. In July, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Albanese and mapped out new plans for deepening China-Australia relations, Li said.

Recent months have witnessed sustained positive momentum in bilateral engagement, with advancing exchanges across multiple sectors, the premier noted. Over the past months, bilateral ties have continued to show a positive trend, with steady progress in exchanges and cooperation across various fields, he said.

China seeks closer alignment of development strategies and policy coordination with its Pacific partner, Li stated, highlighting Beijing's intent to maximize institutional dialogue mechanisms including the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue and joint economic commission. The premier expressed readiness to actively explore ways to advance the review and upgrading of the bilateral free trade agreement.

These efforts, he said, will further deepen practical economic and trade cooperation and tap the potential for cooperation in such fields as green economy, high-tech industries and the digital sector.

Li announced continued Chinese support for qualified domestic enterprises pursuing Australian investments, while requesting transparent and equitable operating conditions. China will continue to support more competent Chinese enterprises in investing in Australia, Li said, voicing hope that Australia will provide an open, transparent and non-discriminatory environment for their investments and operations.

The Chinese premier advocated for expanded people-to-people connections through youth programs, educational partnerships, and tourism initiatives to strengthen grassroots friendly sentiments.

Addressing global governance challenges, Li emphasized Beijing's willingness to coordinate with Canberra through multilateral platforms. As the current global governance deficit is widening, Li said, China is willing to strengthen coordination with Australia in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization to push for the continuous improvement of global governance.

Albanese characterized current Australia-China relations as progressing positively with smooth practical cooperation advancement. For his part, Albanese noted that at present, Australia-China relations are developing soundly with practical cooperation in various fields progressing smoothly, adding that his country is committed to promoting the mature and stable development of bilateral relations.

The Australian leader outlined his government's readiness for enhanced high-level dialogue across all governmental tiers, deeper mutual comprehension, effective difference management, and cooperation expansion. Australia, he said, stands ready to enhance high-level exchanges and dialogues at all levels with China, deepen mutual understanding, properly manage differences, and expand cooperation in such fields as trade, green economy, minerals, climate change, culture and people-to-people exchanges, among others.

Australia voiced support for China hosting the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, pledging ongoing communication and collaboration. Australia supports China hosting the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, and is willing to maintain communication and collaboration with China to safeguard the free trade system and promote regional stability and prosperity, he added.

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