Penny Wong says “hard issues” in the China relationship will take time to resolve, as she prepares to discuss trade sanctions and the detention of Australian citizens.

The foreign minister is travelling to China to meet her counterpart Wang Yi.

“Dialogue itself is central to stabilising the relationship … many of the hard issues in the relationship will take time to resolve in our interests,” she told reporters before departing Canberra on Wednesday.

“I will be raising consular cases, as I always do, just as I will continue to advocate for the trade impediments to be lifted.”

When asked if the relationship between the two countries could move forward without the release of two Australian detainees, Senator Wong said it would be beneficial for the relationship if those consular issues were dealt with.

“We will continue to press for both consular access, which is important, but also for Dr Yang (Yang Hengjun) and Cheng Lei generally to be reunited with their families,” she said.

It will be the first time in four years an Australian foreign minister has been invited to Beijing for bilateral discussions.

The visit will coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and China, which began under the Whitlam Labor government in 1972.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the visit marked an important step in Australia’s relationship with Beijing.

“My government has taken action to stabilise Australia’s relationships around the world, it is about better outcomes for Australia, but it is also about better outcomes for Australians,” he said.

“The decision to establish diplomatic relations took ambition and courage, but it was the right decision and the relationship has delivered benefits to both our countries.

“The anniversary tomorrow provides an opportunity for both sides to reflect on the relationship and how it can be more constructive in the future.”

The resumption of ministerial-level engagement follows one-on-one discussions between Mr Albanese and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in November.

Lowy Institute research fellow Jennifer Hsu said the resumption of diplomatic dialogue was a welcome development.

“We can … see the wheels starting to move with regards to a number of issues pertaining to Australia and China,” Dr Hsu told AAP.

“This is definitely a very positive move … it would be great if a breakthrough happens but these things take time. There are certainly processes that need to be set in motion.”

Nationals senator Matt Canavan said with the economic sanctions remaining in place, there had been no real reset in the relationship.

“We haven’t really moved one iota apart from some meetings yet … I’m not going to be holding my breath,” he told Sky News.

– AAP