Ben Fordham is calling for Defence Minister Richard Marles “negotiate a way forward” after his recent meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wei Fenghe.

Beijing has ended its diplomatic deep freeze of Australia after a breakthrough meeting in what was described as “full and frank” discussions.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister stated it was important to maintain “open lines” of communication to manage new and complex strategic challenges.

Ben Fordham wants Richard Marles to turn the “talk into action”.

“We haven’t taken a backward step, we haven’t blinked in the face of a bully, we haven’t given an inch,” Ben said.

“After two years of China refusing to pick up the phone, now it’s them writing to us.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ben’s full comments