"Some individual politicians in Australia, out of their selfish interests, are keen to make statements that incite confrontation and hype up the threat of war, which is extremely irresponsible and will find no audience.

"These people are the real troublemakers. I have noticed that many people in Australia have expressed disapproval on social media, saying that such inflammatory language are outrageous and extremely crazy,"  Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told the media on Wednesday.

He asked Australian politicians to shake off the 'Cold War' mentality.

"China has been a promoter of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of international order. China's development means opportunities for the world. As a country long benefited from cooperation with China, Australia is being untruthful and immoral with its false allegation of "China threat theory".

"This will only end up hurting its own interests. We urge certain individuals in Australia to shake off the Cold War mentality, stop making irresponsible remarks and act in ways that are conducive to regional peace and stability," he said.

Relations between Australia and China has hit a new low in recent months.