'Panda swap' confirmed for Aussie zoo amid boost to China relations

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For 15 years, panda pair Wang Wang and Fu Ni have called Adelaide home, after being leased to the city's zoo from China.

Today amid a historic visit, on which he said relations between the two nations were "back on track" Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced a panda swap.

They'll go back to China and a new pair - who it is hoped will be more fertile - will replace them.

"We will provide a new pair of equally beautiful lovely and adorable pandas to replace them," Li said, in a display of so-called "panda diplomacy".

It was the announcement South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas had hoped for.

"Often with these visits you know exactly what's coming – we weren't today until the words actually came out of his mouth," he said.

"It will take a bit of time, but we now have the firm commitment and that's the most important step."

The only giant pandas in the southern hemisphere have been a huge attraction for Adelaide Zoo.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang waves on his arrival at Adelaide Airport, Australia.

But hopes they would breed and deliver a cub were dashed year after year, something it's hoped their replacements will achieve.

"We know they've brought in more than five million visitors so it's an incredible value for Adelaide Zoo but also for the whole state of SA," Elaine Bensted from Adelaide Zoo, said.

"We obviously haven't had the success with Fu Ni and Wong Wong, maybe in the future with these new pandas we will."

Wang Wang and Fu Ni will likely stay until November.

The new pandas will need to be quarantined before their debut, but it's still not exactly clear when that will be.

Li extended an invite for Adelaide Zoo delegates to visit China, in a step towards the future.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang talks with Penfolds winemaker Peter Gago, right, at Magill Estate winery in Adelaide, Australia, Sunday, June 16, 2024.

Earlier, the Chinese Premier said China-Australia relations were "back on track" after touching down in Adelaide

Li's four-day trip is the first a Chinese premier has made to Australia in seven years.

In a statement released by the Chinese embassy, Li said bilateral relations were "back on track after a period of twists and turns".

Li commented on Australia's unique position to connect the West and the East as "an important force of economic globalisation and world multipolarity".

"A more mature, stable and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership will be a treasure shared by the people of both countries," he said.

Li also visited wineries near Adelaide.

On Monday, he will travel to Canberra where he and the Prime Minister are expected to discuss the removal of China's remaining "trade impediments".