China demands that Australia fixes ‘mistakes’ to repair relationship

China has placed the blame squarely at the feet of Australia as the relationship with our largest trading partner continues to sour.

Australia must “face up to the problems” it has caused to its relationship with Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian says.

The comments come as Scott Morrison issued the powerful message that Australia would not be forced into “binary choices” between China and the US.

Ministers and officials have struggled to get their Chinese counterparts on the phone as tensions with Australia’s largest trading partner continue to flare.

But Mr Zhao on Monday said communication at the working level between China and Australia was unimpeded.

“It is Australia that caused the current difficulties in bilateral relations,” he said.

“We urge Australia to face up to the problems, correct mistakes and create conditions for bringing bilateral relations back on track.”

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Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian says he is not aware of the specifics regarding Australian trade officials hoping to have a phone call with the Chinese. Picture: Greg Baker/AFP

Beijing officials lashed out last week at Australia’s new military pact with Japan, claiming US allies were forcing China to explore deeper military co-operation with other nations.

But in an address to the British Policy Exchange on Monday night, Mr Morrison said Australia must protect its own national interests.

“Pursuing these interests in the midst of strategic competition between the United States and China is not straightforward,” the prime minister said.

“Our actions are wrongly seen and interpreted by some only through the lens of the strategic competition between China and the United States.

“It is as if Australia does not have its own unique interests or views as an independent sovereign state.

“This is false and needlessly deteriorates relationships.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the global competition between China and the US presents new challenges, especially for Indo-Pacific countries. Picture: Adam Taylor

China authorities have repeatedly said “mutual respect and equal treatment” was the basis for practical co-operation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, crossbench senator Rex Patrick has slammed the federal government for welcoming the Chinese government’s expression of interest in joining a free-trade agreement between Australia and 10 other trans-Pacific nations.

“The Morrison government has been quite foolish in being so quick to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping’s latest geopolitical ambition at a time when China is engaged in a punitive and coercive trade campaign against Australia,” Senator Patrick said.

“In their desperation to ease tensions, the government has conceded an important position to Australia’s disadvantage.

“Beijing will no doubt view the Morrison government’s response as a concession, and they will press for more.”