BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday voiced its appreciation of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's China-related remarks ahead of his attendance at the G20 Osaka summit.
Morrison delivered his first major foreign policy speech two days ahead of his attendance with other world leaders at the G20 in Osaka Japan, in which he gave a thorough exposition of Australia's foreign policy as well as China-Australia relations.
In his speech, he said that China's economic growth was beneficial to China and in Australia's interests.
"Australia has always, and will continue to, welcome China's economic growth," he said. "Australia welcomes the contribution that the Belt and Road Initiative can make to regional infrastructure investment and to regional development."
Geng also mentioned Morrison's commitment to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
"The Chinese side appreciates Morrison's remarks," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang told a press conference.
China always believes that a healthy and stable China-Australia relationship serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and is conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity, Geng said.
"We hope that Australia will meet China half way to push forward the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations on the basis of mutual trust and mutual benefit," Geng said.
