China’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday that detained Australian writer Yang Hengjun has not been tortured or abused and his case is being handled independently according to the law.

Australian writer Yang Hengjun held in China still hopes for a fair trial

Australia will not bow to pressure from China, Prime Minister Scott Morrison insisted on Thursday after Beijing released a laundry list of complaints about the country.&nbsp;

A Chinese official gave a dossier to Australian media containing 14 grievances, highlighting the increasingly fractious relationship between the two nations.

"If you make China the enemy, China will be the enemy," a Chinese government official reportedly told three prominent outlets on Wednesday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-troops-unlawfully-killed-39-civilians-and-prisoners-in-afghanistan-says-top-official-343987" hreflang="en">Australian troops 'unlawfully killed' 39 civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan, says top official</a>

Among the complaints are Australia's strict foreign interference laws, the country's ban on Huawei's involvement in its 5G network and decisions that blocked Chinese investment projects on "national security grounds".

Morrison said the "unofficial document" came from the Chinese embassy and would not stop Australia from setting "our own laws and our own rules according to our national interest".

"We won't be compromising on the fact that we will set what our foreign investment laws are or how we build our 5G telecommunications networks or how we run our systems of protecting against interference Australia's way we run our country," he told Channel Nine.&nbsp;

The document also claimed Canberra had engaged in "incessant wanton interference" in China's affairs while singling out Australia's call for an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-appoints-afghanistan-war-crimes-prosecutor-342532">Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison appoints Afghanistan war crimes prosecutor</a>

It accused Australia of "siding with the US' anti-China campaign and spreading disinformation" about where the virus originated -- a particularly sore point for Beijing.&nbsp;

The United States weighed in on the diplomatic rift Thursday, with the White House National Security Council saying on Twitter that "Beijing is upset Australia took steps to expose and thwart Chinese espionage &amp; to protect Aussie sovereignty".

"It's encouraging to see a growing number of countries following Canberra's lead in taking such steps," the tweet continued.

Relations between Canberra and Beijing have reached a new low in recent months, leaving Australian government ministers unable to persuade Chinese counterparts to even accept their phone calls.

The rift has left Australian exporters exposed as their largest trading partner places a series of retaliatory bans on agricultural goods including beef, barley and timber.

The latest diplomatic salvo comes just days after Morrison reached an in-principle agreement on bolstering defence relations with Japan's leader Yoshihide Suga, a move widely viewed as aimed at countering Chinese influence in the region.

Australia will not bow to pressure from China, Prime Minister Scott Morrison insisted on Thursday after Beijing released a laundry list of complaints about the country.

Australia will not bow to pressure from China, Prime Minister Scott Morrison insisted on Thursday after Beijing released a laundry list of complaints about the country. A Chinese official gave a dossier to Australian media containing 14 grievances, highlighting the increasingly fractious relationship between the two nations. "If you make China the enemy, China will be the enemy," a Chinese government official reportedly told three prominent outlets on Wednesday. Also read| Australian troops 'unlawfully killed' 39 civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan, says top official Among the complaints are Australia's strict foreign interference laws, the country's ban on Huawei's involvement in its 5G network and decisions that blocked Chinese investment projects on "national security grounds". Morrison said the "unofficial document" came from the Chinese embassy and would not stop Australia from setting "our own laws and our own rules according to our national interest". "We won't be compromising on the fact that we will set what our foreign investment laws are or how we build our 5G telecommunications networks or how we run our systems of protecting against interference Australia's way we run our country," he told Channel Nine. The document also claimed Canberra had engaged in "incessant wanton interference" in China's affairs while singling out Australia's call for an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus. Also read| Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison appoints Afghanistan war crimes prosecutor It accused Australia of "siding with the US' anti-China campaign and spreading disinformation" about where the virus originated -- a particularly sore point for Beijing. The United States weighed in on the diplomatic rift Thursday, with the White House National Security Council saying on Twitter that "Beijing is upset Australia took steps to expose and thwart Chinese espionage & to protect Aussie sovereignty". "It's encouraging to see a growing number of countries following Canberra's lead in taking such steps," the tweet continued. Relations between Canberra and Beijing have reached a new low in recent months, leaving Australian government ministers unable to persuade Chinese counterparts to even accept their phone calls. The rift has left Australian exporters exposed as their largest trading partner places a series of retaliatory bans on agricultural goods including beef, barley and timber. The latest diplomatic salvo comes just days after Morrison reached an in-principle agreement on bolstering defence relations with Japan's leader Yoshihide Suga, a move widely viewed as aimed at countering Chinese influence in the region.

Australian PM rebuffs Chinese grievance list

Cheng Lei, an Australian citizen who has worked as a reporter in China and is a well-known TV anchor, was detained by Chinese authorities last month. There has previously been no public explanation.

Journalist Cheng Lei has been detained by China over 'National Security risks'

The high-profile anchor was the China correspondent for US pay TV network CNBC for nine years.

Australian TV anchor Cheng Lei detained in China

Australia&nbsp;warned its citizens Tuesday they could face "arbitrary detention" if they travel to China, in an updated travel advisory amid&nbsp;growing tensions between the two nations.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia, Chinese authorities had detained foreigners for allegedly "endangering national security" and ''Australians may also be at risk of arbitrary detention''.

Australia&nbsp;has already told its citizens to avoid all international travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the updated advice did not raise the overall level of the warning against travel to China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-citizens-against-studying-in-racist-australia-304516">China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia</a>

The warning came days after the foreign ministry cautioned Australians about the possibility of running afoul of controversial new security laws enacted by China in Hong Kong.

China's foreign ministry said in response that "foreigners in China have absolutely nothing to worry about as long as they abide by the law."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-australia-has-more-to-lose-than-china-in-trade-row-301189">Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row</a>

Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that China hoped&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;would "remain objective and fair and do more to benefit the development of China-Australia&nbsp;relations".

Tension between&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and its biggest trading partner has been rising for months, and flared recently after Beijing reacted furiously to Canberra's leading role in calls for a probe into the origins of the coronavirus.

Beijing subsequently imposed tariffs on Australian goods and warned Chinese tourists and students about visiting the country because of alleged racial harassment against Asians.

Last year China arrested Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun, who was indicted earlier this year for espionage.

Australia warned its citizens Tuesday they could face "arbitrary detention" if they travel to China, in an updated travel advisory amid growing tensions between the two nations.

Australia warned its citizens Tuesday they could face "arbitrary detention" if they travel to China, in an updated travel advisory amid growing tensions between the two nations. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia, Chinese authorities had detained foreigners for allegedly "endangering national security" and ''Australians may also be at risk of arbitrary detention''. Australia has already told its citizens to avoid all international travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the updated advice did not raise the overall level of the warning against travel to China. Also read: China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia The warning came days after the foreign ministry cautioned Australians about the possibility of running afoul of controversial new security laws enacted by China in Hong Kong. China's foreign ministry said in response that "foreigners in China have absolutely nothing to worry about as long as they abide by the law." Also read: Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that China hoped Australia would "remain objective and fair and do more to benefit the development of China-Australia relations". Tension between Australia and its biggest trading partner has been rising for months, and flared recently after Beijing reacted furiously to Canberra's leading role in calls for a probe into the origins of the coronavirus. Beijing subsequently imposed tariffs on Australian goods and warned Chinese tourists and students about visiting the country because of alleged racial harassment against Asians. Last year China arrested Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun, who was indicted earlier this year for espionage.

Australia warns citizens against 'arbitrary detention' risk in China

China and Australia do not see eye to eye,&nbsp;and they are unlikely to for a long time to come.

Amid this rising tension, an Australian man may face the firing squad in China as he has been sentenced to death at a Guangzhou court for drug smuggling.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-sentences-australian-actor-to-death-306147/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Now, Australia has 10 days to do all it can to save its citizen Karm Gilespie, an actor turned businessman.

In 2013,&nbsp;he was arrested with more than 7.5 kilograms of methamphetamine at the airport in Guangzhou. The drug was found in his check-in luggage.

Now, he has just 10 days to appeal the verdict.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-sentenced-to-death-in-china-for-smuggling-meth-in-checked-flight-luggage-305567">Also read:&nbsp;Australian sentenced to death in China for smuggling meth in checked flight luggage</a>

One of his mentors claims Gilespie has been duped into carrying the drugs by investors, and they had given it to him as a present.

His family has rejected such speculation, saying it does not help his case.

The news came out over the weekend. Today, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed the issue in parliament.

The timing of the sentence has made Australia suspicious of China's intentions. Over the last few months, diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Canberra have hit rock bottom.

Australia called for an international inquiry into the source and spread of coronavirus and&nbsp;China found it hard to stomach it.

In recent weeks, China has banned Australian beef imports and imposed tariffs on Australian barley. It has also urged Chinese students to consider avoiding Australia.

China says the death penalty is unrelated to bilateral relations, and&nbsp;it will guarantee the legitimate rights of the convict. However, Australia is skeptical.

The two countries have 10 days to resolve the issue, or face another full-blown diplomatic stand off.

China and Australia do not see eye to eye, and they are unlikely to for a long time to come. Amid this rising tension, an Australian man may face the firing squad in China as he has been sentenced to death at a Guangzhou court for drug smuggling.

China and Australia do not see eye to eye, and they are unlikely to for a long time to come. Amid this rising tension, an Australian man may face the firing squad in China as he has been sentenced to death at a Guangzhou court for drug smuggling. Now, Australia has 10 days to do all it can to save its citizen Karm Gilespie, an actor turned businessman. In 2013, he was arrested with more than 7.5 kilograms of methamphetamine at the airport in Guangzhou. The drug was found in his check-in luggage. Now, he has just 10 days to appeal the verdict. Also read: Australian sentenced to death in China for smuggling meth in checked flight luggage One of his mentors claims Gilespie has been duped into carrying the drugs by investors, and they had given it to him as a present. His family has rejected such speculation, saying it does not help his case. The news came out over the weekend. Today, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed the issue in parliament. The timing of the sentence has made Australia suspicious of China's intentions. Over the last few months, diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Canberra have hit rock bottom. Australia called for an international inquiry into the source and spread of coronavirus and China found it hard to stomach it. In recent weeks, China has banned Australian beef imports and imposed tariffs on Australian barley. It has also urged Chinese students to consider avoiding Australia. China says the death penalty is unrelated to bilateral relations, and it will guarantee the legitimate rights of the convict. However, Australia is skeptical. The two countries have 10 days to resolve the issue, or face another full-blown diplomatic stand off.

Australian citizen faces brunt of Australia-China dispute; sentenced to death for drug smuggling

Australian PM Scott Morrison warned China on Thursday saying his government would "never be intimidated by threats" after Beijing asked its students and tourists to avoid travelling to the country.&nbsp;

China in recent days has advised Chinese to avoid travelling to Australia, citing concerns over racists incidents in the country targetting ethnic Asians.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-rejects-chinas-racism-warning-to-students-assures-safety-304729">Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety</a>

The Australian prime minister rejected Beijing's accusations on Thursday, calling them "rubbish".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-citizens-against-studying-in-racist-australia-304516">China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia</a>

"It's a ridiculous assertion and it's rejected," Morrison said in a radio interview.&nbsp;

"We have an important trading relationship with China and I'd like to see that continue."&nbsp;

However, he added that the Australian government would "never be intimidated by threats" or "trade our values in response to coercion from wherever it comes".

According to the New South Wales anti-discrimination commission, the racism targetting Asians has increased during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The ties between Australia and China took a downhill ever since the coronavirus outbreak, which originated from China's Wuhan and spread globally.&nbsp;

Canberra also led calls for an international probe into the origin and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in central China.

China is Australia's largest trading partner and the latest warnings to students could impact Australia too as the country's fourth-largest export is from education, which last year brought Aus$37 billion into the economy. &nbsp;

After Australia's push for virus inquiry, China's ambassador in Canberra threatened a widespread boycott of Australian products by consumers, which followed up by a ban on four major Australian beef exporters. 
&nbsp;

Australian PM Scott Morrison warned China on Thursday saying his government would "never be intimidated by threats" after Beijing asked its students and tourists to avoid travelling to the country.

Australian PM Scott Morrison warned China on Thursday saying his government would "never be intimidated by threats" after Beijing asked its students and tourists to avoid travelling to the country. China in recent days has advised Chinese to avoid travelling to Australia, citing concerns over racists incidents in the country targetting ethnic Asians. Also read | Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety The Australian prime minister rejected Beijing's accusations on Thursday, calling them "rubbish". Also read | China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia "It's a ridiculous assertion and it's rejected," Morrison said in a radio interview. "We have an important trading relationship with China and I'd like to see that continue." However, he added that the Australian government would "never be intimidated by threats" or "trade our values in response to coercion from wherever it comes". According to the New South Wales anti-discrimination commission, the racism targetting Asians has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. The ties between Australia and China took a downhill ever since the coronavirus outbreak, which originated from China's Wuhan and spread globally. Canberra also led calls for an international probe into the origin and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in central China. China is Australia's largest trading partner and the latest warnings to students could impact Australia too as the country's fourth-largest export is from education, which last year brought Aus$37 billion into the economy. After Australia's push for virus inquiry, China's ambassador in Canberra threatened a widespread boycott of Australian products by consumers, which followed up by a ban on four major Australian beef exporters.

'Will not be intimidated by threats': Australian PM to China

Australian officials warned Black Lives Matter supporters they could be arrested if they breach coronavirus restrictions to take part in public protests, as debate erupted over the country's own indigenous history.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison drew strong criticism on Thursday after he said "there was no slavery in Australia" during a discussion of the early days of British settlement, which he acknowledged was "pretty brutal."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-rejects-chinas-racism-warning-to-students-assures-safety-304729">Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety</a>

Historians, Aboriginal activists and some lawmakers expressed shock and dismay at the comments.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-be-intimidated-by-threats-australian-pm-to-china-305020">Also read: 'Will not be intimidated by threats', says Australian PM to China</a> 
 
"Slavery of indigenous, men, women and children is well documented," said Sharman Stone, a former federal lawmaker and now politics professor at Monash University. "Slaves worked in pearling, fishing, the pastoral industries and as domestic labour."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-citizens-against-studying-in-racist-australia-304516">China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia</a>

The Black Lives Matter movement has refocused attention in Australia on the mistreatment of indigenous Australians, including Aboriginal deaths in custody.

Victoria state officials confirmed on Thursday that one of eight new cases of COVID-19 reported on Thursday was a man who attended the Melbourne weekend rally. More unauthorised protests are planned for Friday.

"We will start writing tickets of A$1,000 ($700) and we can use all of our powers to move people on," New South Wales Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told 2GB Radio. "If you don't move on, well then you'll be arrested."

Morrison rejected growing calls to remove statues of white leaders, including one of the country's first prime minister, Edmund Barton, which is located near an Aboriginal burial site. Barton played a key role in drafting the national constitution, which negated Aboriginal rights.

Morrison said the initial motives of protesters were "fair", but the push for the removal of the statues was being driven by political agendas.

Australia on Tuesday recorded its first day without any community transmissions of COVID-19 since the crisis began. It has recorded 7,285 cases, including 102 deaths.

Australian officials warned Black Lives Matter supporters they could be arrested if they breach coronavirus restrictions to take part in public protests, as debate erupted over the country's own indigenous history.

Australian officials warned Black Lives Matter supporters they could be arrested if they breach coronavirus restrictions to take part in public protests, as debate erupted over the country's own indigenous history. Prime Minister Scott Morrison drew strong criticism on Thursday after he said "there was no slavery in Australia" during a discussion of the early days of British settlement, which he acknowledged was "pretty brutal." Also read | Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety Historians, Aboriginal activists and some lawmakers expressed shock and dismay at the comments. Also read: 'Will not be intimidated by threats', says Australian PM to China "Slavery of indigenous, men, women and children is well documented," said Sharman Stone, a former federal lawmaker and now politics professor at Monash University. "Slaves worked in pearling, fishing, the pastoral industries and as domestic labour." Also read | China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia The Black Lives Matter movement has refocused attention in Australia on the mistreatment of indigenous Australians, including Aboriginal deaths in custody. Victoria state officials confirmed on Thursday that one of eight new cases of COVID-19 reported on Thursday was a man who attended the Melbourne weekend rally. More unauthorised protests are planned for Friday. "We will start writing tickets of A$1,000 ($700) and we can use all of our powers to move people on," New South Wales Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told 2GB Radio. "If you don't move on, well then you'll be arrested." Morrison rejected growing calls to remove statues of white leaders, including one of the country's first prime minister, Edmund Barton, which is located near an Aboriginal burial site. Barton played a key role in drafting the national constitution, which negated Aboriginal rights. Morrison said the initial motives of protesters were "fair", but the push for the removal of the statues was being driven by political agendas. Australia on Tuesday recorded its first day without any community transmissions of COVID-19 since the crisis began. It has recorded 7,285 cases, including 102 deaths.

Australian PM draws criticism for his "No slavery in Australia" comment