Beijing on Thursday spared Australia the trouble of picking between its main political ally U.S. and largest trading partner China, after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said that it respected Canberra's foreign policy choices.     

Li was addressing Australian lawmakers and business leaders on the first day of his five day tour to Australia, which would focus on expanding trade ties between the two countries.

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"We respect your choices in your foreign policy," Li categorically said, but added that Canberra's foreign policy needs to be consistent with "the United Nations charter and international rules - we will work together to maintain them."   

Li then categorically stated that he does not want to see countries "taking sides, as happened during the cold war."  

Chinese premier also sought to assure that China will never seek global domination, even if its economy continues to grow in the future. He evoked China's rich history to remind that the world's most populous nation has traditionally respected peace and harmony.  

Both countries are expected to sign several trade agreements and deal during Li's visit, who is the first Chinese premier to visit Australia in 11 years. Although no billion dollar trade agreement is on the cards, but both countries are expected to sign bilateral agreements on beef exports, energy and security. Li will head for two day tour to New Zealand, after wrapping up his five day visit to Australia  

China and Australia Share Complex Relationship 

China and Australia's bilateral relationship has always been overshadowed by latter's tilt towards the U.S. on sensitive issues such as South China Sea and human rights. However, Canberra is equally mindful of not isolating China, which is its largest trading partner and also one of the largest foreign direct investors.

Australia's challenge of maintaining this strategic balance has been a difficult one, with the risk of hurting China and losing on millions of annual trade always looming high. Beijing and Canberra's fragile bilateral relationship came forth only few weeks back, after Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop warned the Asian giant that it can never fulfill its economic potential unless it fully embraces democracy.

Bishop's critical statement immediately drew rebuke from China's state owned tabloid, which lashed at foreign minister's arrogant finger pointing towards Beijing's political system.         

While the exchange of such heated statements has become common over the years, there seems to be growing consensus among Australia's political circle that there needs to be overhaul in foreign policy towards China. Last year, the former Prime Minister Paul Keating said that his country's foreign policy simply lacked the pragmatism to deal with Beijing's growing economic and diplomatic clout.      

Tagschina, Australia, China and Australia, Li Keqiang