Turnbull praises China over WWII

Malcolm Turnbull says Australia owes a great debt of gratitude to China for ensuring more Japanese troops did not enter the Pacific war.

The cabinet minister told the coalition party room on Tuesday that Australia's long-held regard for China should be used to counter criticism of the free trade deal with the Asian giant.

Mr Turnbull said the fact that thousands of Japanese troops were posted to Manchuria in the 1930s and during WWII meant they were not available to fight against Australia and its allies in the Pacific.