A meeting between the prime minister and one of China's highest political leaders is a further sign relations between Australia and its largest trading partner are thawing, experts say.
Anthony Albanese held talks in Canberra on Tuesday with the chairman of China's Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji on the final day of the senior official's four-day visit to Australia.
The visit by Chairman Zhao, China's third-highest political leader, was met with protests and security warnings to MPs during a visit to Parliament House on Monday.
Senior fellow at the Australian National University's department of Pacific Affairs Graeme Smith said the visit was consequential for relations between Australia and China.
"It's significant, we don't often get the big guy over here," Professor Smith told AAP.
"He's a significant figure in terms of the jobs he's had in the past.
He was the former head of the Organisation Department, which is probably one of the three most powerful organisations in China.
"If you were going to characterise him in the Australian sense, you'd call him a factional warrior."
The visit from Chairman Zhao followed a visit to Australia by Chinese Premier Li Qiang in June.
Tensions between China and Australia have thawed in recent years, with billions of dollars worth of trade bans on Australian exports being lifted following a diplomatic stand off between the two countries.
"The relationship looks like it's it's more stable than it's been for quite some years," Prof Smith said.
The chairman's visit to Canberra prompted protests out the front of Parliament House ahead of the visit.
Much of the visit was shrouded in secrecy, with the chairman not making any public remarks during the trip.
Ahead of his visit to Parliament House, politicians and staffers were given a list of security measures to follow.
"Suites and offices adjacent to the delegation movements may wish to ensure doors and blinds are closed during the visit for privacy," the security warning said.
