China welcomes Scott Morrison’s appointment as Prime Minister

Beijing is looking forward to developing a good relationship with Australia’s new Prime Minister, despite a Huawei ban.

China has congratulated Scott Morrison on his election as Prime Minister, despite a Huawei ban. Picture: AP

Beijing is looking forward to developing a good relationship with Australia’s new Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

“We congratulate him on his election,” the spokesman said, answering a question from The Australian.

“China’s policy towards the relationship with Australia has always been consistent and clear.

“A healthy and stable relationship is not only good for the two countries but also good for the regional and global peace, stability and prosperity.

“We look forward to working together with Australia to further develop the relationship in the right direction.”

The comments come as relations between Australia and China came under new pressure following the federal Government’s decision to effectively ban Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei from supplying equipment for Australia’s 5G network.

China did not comment on the infighting which led to the resignation of Malcolm Turnbull, but the election of Scott Morrison as his successor paves the way for a better relationship with China than if forme home affairs minister Peter Dutton had been elected.

China’s Global Times this week called Mr Dutton a “semi Trump” who had been described as a racist.

A Dutton government could have presented new challenges for the relationship given his more conservative stance.