China welcomes Australia’s finalization of Darwin port security review

China welcomed Australia's decision on finalizing the security review regarding the Darwin port program, and it called on Australia to resolve trade disputes via dialogue to promote the bilateral relationship, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

"We noted the Australian announcement that it has finalized a review into the lease of the Port of Darwin, and decided it will not vary or cancel the lease," Mao Ning, spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said during a regular press conference held on Tuesday.

China welcomes this announcement and hopes that Australia will continue to provide a sound environment for Chinese companies to invest and operate in the country, said Mao.

Chinese company Landbridge Group and Australia's Northern Territory government in 2015 clinched a leasing contract worth A$506 million ($393 million), spanning 99 years.

However, some Australian politicians, including former prime minister Scott Morrison, have been constantly targeting the cooperation amid the US crackdown on China.

"On wine and other issues, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has released information, which you may refer to. China stands ready to work with Australia to continue resolving each other's concerns properly through dialogue and consultation, and promote further improvement and growth of bilateral relations," Mao noted.

The MOFCOM announced on Sunday that China and Australia have reached consensus on resolving their disputes on wine and wind towers under the WTO framework.

"China and Australia are each other's important trading partners. We are willing to work with Australia to continue to meet each other halfway through dialogue and consultation, and jointly promote the stable and healthy development of bilateral economic and trade relations," a MOFCOM spokesperson said in a statement published on Sunday.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend the 6th China International Import Expo, to be held from November 5 to 10 in Shanghai, at the invitation of China, according to the ministry.

Observers said the visit shown signs of a thawing and improving bilateral relationship since the beginning of this year, underscoring close business connections between Australia and the world's second-largest consumer market.