Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will begin his official visit to Australia on Wednesday. Li is scheduled to meet Australian leaders and attend an economic cooperation forum.

In an opinion piece published in an Australian newspaper, the premier called for cooperation with Australia to maintain peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region.

Both countries are also seeking an upgrade in trade, as they move away from mining products to develop more diverse and sustainable trade ties.

Premier Li and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull are also expected to find 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 and New Zealand show China's efforts to ensure free trade amidst difficult global circumstances. 

“This is Premier Li Keqiang's first visit to a foreign country since China's Two Sessions, and 11 years after his predecessor's last visit to Australia and New Zealand. This visit shows China, Australia and New Zealand's effort to ensure free trade amid a weak global economic recovery and rising protectionism and anti-globalization.” said Zheng Zeguang, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.