China hopes Australia ties return to right track

China said on Friday it hopes to work with the new Australian government to promote bilateral ties "on the right track", after Treasurer Scott Morrison was elected by the governing party as the new Australian prime minister.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China has maintained a consistent and clear position on developing its ties with Australia. Healthy and stable bilateral ties are in line with the fundamental interests of people in both countries and help peace and prosperity of the region and the world, he said.

Morrison won a party ballot to become Australia's new prime minister on Friday after defeating Peter Dutton and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in the leader ship vote of the governing Liberal Party.