China expresses 'strong dissatisfaction' at Australia's prejudice

China on Friday expressed "shock" and "strong dissatisfaction" with the prejudice and Cold War mindset of some Australian leaders and media.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks, after reports that an Australian leader said the country would seriously follow reports on Chinese infiltration in Australia, and defend its national sovereignty by law.

Geng said he was shocked by the leader's remarks, which catered to the whims of irresponsible parts of the Australian media.

He said the remarks were "made up out of thin air" and full of prejudice against China, had "poisoned the atmosphere" between the two countries, and tarnished the foundation of mutual trust and cooperation.

Geng said China had lodged solemn representations to Australia.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks to the media during a news conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, December 5, 2017.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Tuesday announced new laws that would ban foreign donations to political parties and criminal charges for anyone found interfering in Australia’s political process.

"China always follows the principle of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs when developing relations with other countries," Geng said on Friday. "The principle also works when it comes to China's ties with Australia."

"China strongly urges those Australian people to abandon the Cold War mentality and prejudice against China, and stop making wrong remarks detrimental to the two countries' mutual political trust and mutual beneficial cooperation," he said.

Geng also called for Australia to take effective measures to eliminate the negative impact to "avoid disturbance and shock" in China-Australia ties.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)