With the highly anticipated G20 summit scheduled to kick off Saturday in Brisbane, Australia, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke of strengthening ties with Australia.

China published a column under Xi's name in Australia's Financial Review and also presented increased coverage on its China Radio International network previewing the economic summit and improving Australian ties.

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China is Australia's leading trade partner in terms of exports and imports. A long-time U.S. ally, Australia also is caught up in the entire Pacific theater where China's re-assertion of territorial and economic aims has created new relationships and potential tension.

Within that context, Xi flew to Brisbane for the G20 leaders summit featuring the heads of the world's leading economies this weekend. He also was scheduled to pay an official state visit and meet with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott for further discussions. The two leaders last met at Beijing's Great Hall of the People in April.

Xi said he had visited "the magnificent land of Australia" four times in the last 25 years. Quoting a Chinese saying that "Even mountains and seas cannot distance people and common aspirations," he said the two nations were closely linked by history and reality "making us good friends and strategic partners."

The Chinese leader noted that trade between the two nations had increased "1500-fold in the past 42 years," since diplomatic relations were established. A growing "Australia zeal" had developed in China and a "China zeal" had emerged in Australia, he said, creating an increasingly broader common ground and common understanding.

Xi said he looked forward to in-depth talks with Abbott and other Australian officials aimed at further deepening ties and cooperation creating the momentum for even more partnerships.

"China-Australia friendship and co-operation has embarked on a new journey," Xi said. "so long as we work hand-in-hand and redouble our efforts, our relations will surely embrace an even brighter future."

TagsAustralia, Tony Abbott, Pacific, G20, economic summit, APEC