Liberal Senator James Paterson says people should not expect a “very significant change” to the Chinese government’s behaviour after the meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and China’s President Xi Jinping.

“Because Xi Jinping was not only just re-endorsed for a third term as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party,” he told Sky News host Andrew Bolt.

“He further consolidated power around him staking the … standing committee with his closest allies and friends who will be yes-men when he makes big decisions in the region.

“There is no reason to expect a kinder, gentler Chinese government toward Australia.”