Chinese Vice Premier begins key visit to Australia

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Updated October 30, 2009 20:48:14

China has confirmed that it intends to put relations with Canberra back on track, after months of difficulties, responding to a similar gesture from Australia. In a speech in Sydney, the heir-apparent to the Chinese Premiership, Li Keqiang has given political impetus to the difficult and stalled Australia-China Free Trade talks, he's signalled support for a new high level dialogue, and he's declared no single incident should obscure the long term strategic ties. It's precisely what Canberra had hoped for, and closely echoes a speech delivered by Australia's Foreign minister Stephen Smith.

Presenter: Linda Mottram, Canberra correspondent
Speakers: Li Keqiang, China's Vice Premier; Bob Hawke, former Australian prime minister; Frank Tudor, chairman, Australia China Business Council

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