Greens leader condemns China's human rights record

Australian Greens leader Christine Milne has personally handed Chinese president Xi Jinping a letter condemning human rights abuses.

She gave him the two-page letter after his address to federal parliament today.

It asks for the release from prison of Chinese democracy advocate Liu Xiaobo and to respect calls for free and open elections in Hong Kong.

"As with all genuine friendship, the relationship between China and Australia needs to be based on mutual respect and shared values," Senator Milne wrote.

"I encourage you to promote freedom of speech and association and the human rights of all people."

The letter also praises the recent agreement between China and the United States on reducing emissions.

Mr Xi will visit Senator Milne's home state of Tasmania tomorrow.

The Greens leader urged him to consider making Hobart the base of China's Antarctic research and logistics.