Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang called for "shelving differences" with Australia as he began a four-day trip aimed at expanding trade despite their geopolitical rivalry.

Li, China's second most powerful figure after President Xi Jinping, arrived Saturday in Adelaide to kick off a diplomatic mission across the resource-rich continent after wrapping up a visit to New Zealand, where he supported "dialogue, not confrontation."

Since 2020, China has gradually lifted severe trade sanctions on Australian exports of wine, timber, barley, and beef, imposed during a diplomatic rift with Australia's former conservative government. However, tariffs on rock lobsters remain. The measures had cost Australian exporters an estimated Aus$20 billion ($13 billion) annually.

Economic relations between the two countries have improved since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government came to power in 2022, adopting a more conciliatory approach toward Beijing.

In a written statement upon his arrival, Li emphasized the importance of "mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences and mutually beneficial cooperation" for enhancing China-Australia relations.

He described a "more mature, stable, and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership" as a shared treasure for the peoples of both nations.

During his visit, Li will tour a South Australian winery, check in on Chinese-loaned giant pandas at Adelaide Zoo, hold talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, attend a state lunch in Canberra, and visit a lithium mine in Western Australia.

Australia has strengthened its defense alliance with the United States to counter Beijing's growing diplomatic and military influence in the Pacific region. China criticizes the AUKUS security pact between Washington, London, and Canberra, which will provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, as a divisive measure increasing nuclear proliferation risks.

Recently, Australia accused China of "unsafe and unprofessional" conduct after a Chinese warplane allegedly fired flares at an Australian naval helicopter over the Yellow Sea. Albanese has promised to tell Li that such behavior was "inappropriate".