China appreciates Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's positive remarks on bilateral ties and cooperation, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

In a speech at the University of New South Wales on Tuesday, Turnbull highlighted the strength of Australia-China relations, saying his country looks forward to working with China on Belt and Road Initiative projects.

"We have noticed the positive remarks of Prime Minister Turnbull on China's reform and opening-up, China-Australia relations and bilateral pragmatic cooperation," spokesperson Hua Chunying said. "We appreciate that."

"China and Australia are both important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, and the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties accords with the fundamental interest of two peoples, as well as regional and global peace, stability and prosperity."

Hua said she hoped Australia would work with China for the shared goal, do more to enhance trust and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment, and promote the development of bilateral ties on the right track with real actions.