BEIJING, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- China hopes to push bilateral relations with Australia toward the right track, and hopes that the two countries can treat each other equally and with mutual respect, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at a routine press briefing on Thursday.

It was reported by Australian media that Prime Minister Scott Morrison had recently visited a local community of Chinese-Australians in Sydney, where he said that the government cherished their contributions in all facets. Besides sending greetings in Mandarin, Morrison also said Australia welcomes Chinese students, investors and tourists.

The prime minister also reportedly called on the two countries to manage divergencies constructively, saying strong bilateral relations will benefit and are in the interests of both countries.

Echoing Morrison's positive remarks on strengthening ties with China, Lu said the sound and stable bilateral relations are in the common interests of the two peoples.

"We hope that the Australian side will meet China halfway, and push bilateral relations forward along the right track on the basis of mutual respect and equality principle," Lu added.