Premier Li Keqiang said Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has assured him that Australia has confidence in the search for missing flight MH370, and the hunt is now limited to a very small region.

Li made the remarks after talking with Abbott about the issue during a welcome ceremony for the visiting Australian prime minister in Sanya, Hainan province.

Li said they both agreed – during a telephone conversation on April 2 - to increase efforts in the search, and China values Australia's great efforts in the search, including the assistance it has offered China.

Li also said both leaders feel this is their responsibility towards the families of the passengers on board, and he added that their cooperation in this matter has demonstrated their ability to jointly address challenges in the region.

Abbott assured Li that Australia will do everything possible to locate the plane and solve the mystery.

And Abbott also said he very much appreciates China's commitment to the search.