China will be Western Australia's biggest trading partner in five to ten years, said Sheila Mchale, the Australian state's Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Tourism, Culture and the Arts, said Monday.

Western Australia (WA) had 10 percent of Australia's population and 30 percent of the land mass, and accounted for 33 percent of Australia's total exports.

"We are a very important economic state and we value our economic trade with China. After only 20 years of growing economic relationship with China, WA accounts for over 50 percent of Australia's exports to China."

She said the state government hoped to enhance cooperation with China in many aspects, particularly in tourism.

The state had the first Chinese language government website about Australia and is studying the possibility of non-stop flights with China. Currently Chinese travelers have to transfer via Hong Kong or Singapore.

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