Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang was responding to comments by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop that China can reach its full economic potential only if it embraces democracy.

A senior Chinese official says China hopes Australia will continue to look beyond the countries’ ideological differences and focus on bilateral business ties and other forms of cooperation.

Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang was responding to comments by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop that China can reach its full economic potential only if it embraces democracy.

Mr. Zheng told journalists on Tuesday that Australia and its largest trading partner had “gone beyond our ideological differences.” He said China hopes that Australia will “continue to uphold this spirit.”

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visits Australia and New Zealand beginning on Wednesday. Mr. Zheng said China hopes to enhance free trade agreements with both nations and promote cooperation in science, technology and innovation.

Mr. Zheng said China wishes to “make China—Australia business cooperation more diverse and more sustainable.”