A SENIOR general in China's People's Liberation Army has visited Australia as the latest step in building the growing military relationship. General Zhao Keshi, director of the PLA's General Logistics Department and a member of China's Central Military Commission, is in Australia this week for talks with government and military officials, Defence says. He has met junior defence minister Stuart Robert, Defence Force chief General David Hurley and defence department secretary Dennis Richardson. This is the first visit to Australia by a member of China's Central Military Commission since General Guo Boxiong, then commission vice-chairman, visited in May 2010. "General Zhao's visit provided an important opportunity to build on this strong foundation of practical engagement and dialogue and further strengthen the bilateral defence relationship," defence said in a statement. In December, Australia and China celebrate the 41st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. Since then, China has become Australia's leading trading partner and in recent years Australia has expanded defence links.