Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in the Australian capital of Canberra on Wednesday night for an official visit.
It is the first trip to the country by a Chinese premier in 11 years. Li is scheduled to meet Australian leaders and attend an economic cooperation forum.
Premier Li and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull are also expected to discuss ways to integrate China's Belt and Road Initiative and Australia's own plans to develop its northern areas.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry says Premier Li Keqiang's visits to Australia, which will be followed by a trip to New Zealand, show China's efforts to ensure free trade amidst difficult global circumstances.