China expresses 'strong dissatisfaction' at Australia's prejudice

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

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.

"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. "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.