Supporters of Dr Yang Hengjun - the Australian writer jailed in China - have pushed the Prime Minister to raise his plight during talks with Beijing's number two in charge Premier Li Qiang.

China expert John Garnaut told RN Breakfast he has no doubt about the personal commitment from the Albanese Government to improve Dr Yang Hengjun's situation, but says it's simply not possible to have a "stable bilateral relationship while this is happening in the background". He says China and Australia need to - within sensible parametres - have an open conversation about the challenges in the relationship. Mr Garnaut says he "totally welcomes" all high level visits and channels of communication.

• Guest: John Garnaut, former Turnbull advisor and former SMH China correspondent