Anthony Albanese will head to China on Saturday as part of the first visit by an Australian prime minister to the Asian nation since 2016.

The trip coincides with an easing of tensions between the two countries, with China winding back tariffs on several Australian products.

Albanese said while there had been a thawing of diplomatic relations, he would be direct during his meeting with President Xi Jinping.

“Australians are pretty direct, and the Australian people want me to be direct about our interests,” he told ABC radio on Tuesday.

“To put things in a respectful and direct way is the way to achieve outcomes and breakthroughs and advances in the relationship.

“China will have differences with us as well, and I expect that they will put those directly to me while I’m there.”

The prime minister will visit a trade fair in Shanghai and meet with Chinese premier Li Qiang, before holding talks with President Xi in Beijing on Monday.

China recently agreed to review its tariffs on Australian wine, following almost three years of embargoes.

The review sparked hopes China could review similar tariffs on remaining products affected by the economic impediments.

Positive signs also emerged in the relationship after China agreed to release imprisoned Australian journalist Cheng Lei.

Albanese said he planned to raise issues relating to the South China Sea.

He denied that a recent visit to the United States would impact the bilateral talks in China.

“China knows that we’re in our alliance with the United States. They know that we’re a nation that stands up for human rights and for the rule of law and they expect us to do that,” he said.

“I’ve been direct about that, and I think you’ve seen the improvement in the relationship in part because of just the way we have conducted it.

“We have differences and we’re open and honest about them and can talk those issues through. We have different political systems, of course and different values.”