Aust urges China to release Liu's wife

Australia is urging China to release the wife of Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo following the Chinese dissident's death.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she was saddened by the news, acknowledging his "long and non-violent struggle" for fundamental human rights in China.

"Our thoughts are with Dr Liu's family and friends at this time," she said in a statement on Friday.

"We urge China to remove all restrictions on the movement of his wife Ms Liu Xia."

It follows a similar call from US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who on Thursday urged the Chinese government to release her from house arrest and allow her to leave China.