Visiting Chinese Premier calls for 'shelving differences' with Australia

SYDNEY - Chinese Premier Li Qiang on June 15 called for "shelving differences" with Australia as he started a four-day trip dangling the promise of expanded trade despite their geopolitical rivalry.

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Mr Li the second most powerful man in China after President Xi Jinping touched down in Adelaide at the start of a diplomatic mission across the resource-rich continent.

China has gradually removed swingeing trade sanctions on Australian wine, timber, barley and beef exports imposed in 2020 during a diplomatic rift with the former conservative government. Tariffs on rock lobsters remain.

The measures cost Australian exporters an estimated A$20 billion (S$17.9 billion) a year.

Economic relations between the two countries have eased since Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government took power in 2022 and adopted a softer diplomatic approach to Beijing.

"Mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences and mutually beneficial cooperation" were key to growing China-Australia relations, Mr Li said in a written arrival statement.