Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday sent a message to Julia Gillard congratulating her on becoming Australia's prime minister.

Gillard on Thursday became Australia's 27th -- and first female -- prime minister, replacing Kevin Rudd as Labor Party leader after his plans to boost taxes on the mining industry deepened a slump in opinion polls.

Gillard had been tipped to win up to 74 of the 112 Labor caucus votes.

Also on Thursday, Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang congratulated Treasurer Wayne Swan on his election as Australia's deputy prime minister.