Xi Jinping is pushing Anthony Albanese to fight against protectionism in the wake of Donald Trump’s pledge to impose 60 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports, as the leaders declared China-Australia relations had returned to levels not observed since the 2014 free trade agreement.

One potential issue for the government is the relationship between the incoming administration and Australia's ambassador in Washington, former Labor Party prime minister Kevin Rudd, who previously made disparaging comments about Trump in his capacity as the head of a U.S.-based think tank.

The Chinese president has spoken of the "twists and turns" in recent relations with Australia during talks with Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet China's President Xi Jinping in Brazil on Monday, as Beijing seeks to promote Australia as a model for trading with China in a Trump era, even as Canberra draws closer defence ties with Washington.

Good morning and welcome to our live politics blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then it’ll be Emily Wind with the main action. Anthony Albanese has met China’s president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil overnight with Beijing trying to promote Australia as a model for trading with China in a Trump era.