"We welcome enterprises from all countries, of course, including Australia, to seize the opportunities presented by China's development (and) share the dividends of China's growth."

Optimism on the removal of the lobster ban has dropped off in recent months after Australian ministers expressed confidence they would fall alongside other blockages against wine, barley and beef.

Trade Minister Don Farrell and Foreign Minister Penny Wong both said the federal government would continue to press for a quick resolution to remaining trade impediments with Mr Li in the audience.

The trade minister quipped: "As an aside, I really enjoyed last night’s dinner - for those who did not attend, the menu featured some of Australia’s finest lobster, beef and wine".

"We will continue to press for the removal of remaining impediments on live lobster and two red meat export facilities," he said.

Senator Wong committed to raising concerns about "China’s destabilising activities in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait" and the imprisonment of Australian author Yang Jun, who received a suspended death sentence.

"Dr Yang Jun will continue to be an important priority for our government, as will be accountability for grave human rights violations," she said.

While Australia would continue to engage with China and trade as barriers came down, it was also looking to diversify into Southeast Asian markets.

"Australian businesses know the threat to our resilience of having too many eggs in one market," the foreign minister said. 

"We live in the most competitive region in the world - this offers us enormous opportunity, but it also offers an equally large exposure if we fail to seize it."

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