Australia urged to 'face up to crux of setbacks' in ties

China has its own opinions on whether Australia has the sincerity to improve and develop its ties with China, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Tuesday, and she urged Canberra to correct its wrong actions and create conditions for the improvement of bilateral ties.

Hua's comments came after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in an interview aired on Sunday that there is no Australian obstacle to direct dialogue at a political level between the two countries, but that China has not shown interest in that.

"Australia is the one to blame for the current difficulties in the China-Australia relationship, which China does not want to see. It is imperative for the Australian side to face up to the crux of the setbacks in bilateral ties and think seriously about whether it sees China as a partner or a threat," the spokeswoman said at a regular news briefing in Beijing.

For some time, Beijing has been urging Canberra to take action to bring bilateral ties back on the right track and has complained about irresponsible remarks, but has received no response.

The Sydney Morning Herald said in an article published on Monday that "after two years of diplomatic tension, no contact between ministers and growing animosity in Canberra and Beijing, Australia has fired almost every shot it has in the name of democratic principles.

The spokeswoman said that Australia should view China and China's development in an objective manner, uphold the principles of mutual respect and equal treatment in handling China-Australia relations and do things that are conducive to boosting mutual trust and promoting practical cooperation.

"Whether Australia has the sincerity to improve and grow its ties with China, or it is just speaking one way while behaving in another, even stabbing China in the back, I believe China has its own fair judgment," she added.