China responds to Japan-Australia defence pact

China on Wednesday strongly criticised a statement made by Australia and Japan after the two reached a defense agreement to counter China's growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Japanese counterpart, Yoshihide Suga, said the legal framework, called a Reciprocal Access Agreement, would allow their troops to visit each other's countries for training and joint operations.

The deal is the first of its kind for Japan since its 1960 status of forces agreement with the United States. The two leaders also agreed on cooperation in economic and clean energy projects.

In a joint statement, Suga and Morrison expressed "serious concerns about the situation" in the South and East China Seas and "strong opposition" to militarizing disputed islands and other unilateral attempts to change the status quo, without identifying China - signaling their sensitivity toward their biggest trading partner.

"China is strongly dissatisfied and opposed to the unwarranted accusations against China in the statement issued following the leaders' meeting that grossly interfered in China's internal affairs," said Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In response to the remarks of Australian Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg that Australia is ready for dialogue with China to end trade tensions, Zhao said the dialogue channels are "smooth" and the Australian side is "completely aware of the crux" of the problems.

Australia is the first country to ban China's Huawei from its 5G network and Canberra led a global effort calling for an independent probe into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, which first emerged in China's Wuhan city.

"Whoever started the trouble should end it," Zhao said.

At the press conference, Zhao also defended China's  anti-coronavirus controls that have disrupted imports of beef, poultry and fish from the United States, New Zealand and other trading partners.

Customs officials who say the coronavirus has been found on frozen meat and on packaging have imposed suspensions on suppliers, which prompted complaints by China's trading partners.

"The relevant measures China took are necessary following the spirit of putting people's lives first and protecting people's health," Zhao said.

Zhao also accused the Canadian government of hiding the truth and misleading public opinion in the legal process of the extradition of Huawei Technologies executive Meng Wanzhou.

He was responding to a report that a retired Canadian police officer involved in evidence gathering exercise against Meng refused to testify at Tuesday's hearing in Vancouver.

"No matter how hard the Canadian side tries to hide the truth and mislead public opinion, they will not be able to shirk their own responsibility," said Zhao.

"Once again we urge the Canadian side to meet China halfway, correct the mistake and resolve the issue of Meng Wanzhou in a proper way immediately."