China welcomes faster FTA talks with Australia

China appreciated Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's positive attitude in advancing talks for a free trade pact, Shen Danyang, spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, told a news briefing on Wednesday.

Rudd called in June for a conclusion to the stalled free trade deal as soon as possible during his first news conference since recapturing the prime minister's office.

China is Australia's largest trading partner, and the countries began free trade talks in 2005. The 19th round of talks was held in June but the negotiations did not go smoothly owing to differences on opening up markets and protecting intellectual property rights.