Kevin Rudd has flown in to a diplomatic row in China, with the country's communist Government lodging an official complaint about his comments on Tibet.

China is angry over Mr Rudd's comments during a press conference with US President George W Bush earlier in his world tour, when he said it was clear that human rights abuses were being committed in Tibet.

He encouraged the Chinese Government to discuss the future of Tibet with the Dalai Lama, and promised to raise the matter in Beijing.

The Chinese Government has responded by making a verbal complaint to Australian diplomats in Canberra and in Beijing, where Mr Rudd arrived today on the final leg of his world tour.

A spokesman from the Department of Foreign Affairs says the Australian Government holds strong views on Tibet and stands by its comments.

Mr Rudd is due to meet Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao tommorrow.

The Australia-Tibet Council says it wants Mr Rudd to use his visit to China to push for the cancellation of the Olympic torch relay through Tibet.

The council's executive officer, Paul Bourke, says taking the torch through Tibetan areas would be highly provocative and could result in further violence.

"They're preparing with massive influx of police, clearing a path through Tibet," he said.

"The only way the torch can proceed through Tibet is under virtual martial law, or it will result in uprisings which will further endanger the Tibetans in Tibetan areas."