Australia and China seek stability as tensions thaw

* Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi have met for the sixth time during diplomatic discussions in Canberra

* It is the first time they have met face-to-face since Australian writer Yang Hengjun received a suspended death sentence in China

* The two discussed Australia's opposition to the death penalty as Senator Wong advocated on Dr Yang's behalf

* Mr Wang and the senator also talked about removing trade impediments on Australian wine, lobster and beef

* She also raised human rights concerns about Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong

* Regional security across the Taiwan Strait was also a major discussion point

* Panda diplomacy was also discussed, with Senator Wong indicating those housed in Australia likely to continue calling Adelaide Zoo home

* The two representatives acknowledged China and Australia both needed to manage their differences and focus on their shared interests.

Australian Associated Press