A Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday that China congratulates Tony Abbott on his election as Australia's new prime minister.

"Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has extended congratulations to Abbott," said spokesman Hong Lei at a regular press briefing.

Hong said China and Australia, as two important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, shared broad common interests.

It is in line with the interests of the people of both countries as well as the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the world for China and Australia to sustain friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation, he said.

"China attaches great importance to ties with Australia," he said.

Following a long-term strategy, China is ready to work with Australia to continuously push forward their strategic partnership on the basis of respect, equality and mutual benefits, he added.

Abbott, leader of the opposition Coalition, won a crushing victory in national polls Saturday to end six years of Labor government. Endi

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