China congratulates Kevin Rudd on comeback

China on Thursday extended congratulations to Kevin Rudd after he was sworn in as prime minister of Australia.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing that China believes that China-Australia relations will continue to develop under the joint efforts from both sides.

Hua said the development momentum of bilateral relations is very good, noting that the two sides have established a strategic partnership as well as a regular meeting mechanism between the twocountries' leaders.

Rudd was sworn in as prime minister of Australia on Thursday following his victory in a ruling Labor party caucus ballot the previous evening.

This is the second time for Rudd to serve as Labor prime minister. He was overthrown by his then-deputy Julia Gillard on June 24, 2010.