China says Australia ‘violating UN Charter’ in condemning military drills in Taiwan Strait

China has launched a fresh attack at the Albanese Government, slamming Canberra for “violating” the UN Charter and further straining bilateral relations.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong co-wrote a joint statement with her United States and Japanese counterparts last week, strongly condemning China’s unprecedented military drills in the Taiwan Strait.

Beijing launched the drills - which they say will continue indefinitely - in the wake of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s historic visit to Taiwan.

Beijing claims this was a disregard for the One China policy.

Overnight, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Senator Wong, and the government, had “disregarded facts” in criticising Beijing.

Mr Wang said China’s measures were “legitimate, justified and lawful” measures to “safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

“Australia’s act violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs, and undermines regional peace and stability,” Mr Want said.

“In the past few years, China-Australia relations have experienced serious difficulties for reasons caused by the Australian side … China’s position on developing relations with Australia is consistent and clear.

“We urge the Australian side to develop a clear understanding of the situation … respect China’s core interests … stop saying or doing the things that undermine regional peace and stability, refrain from echoing or assisting certain countries’ misguided strategy of using the Taiwan question to contain China, and avoid creating new obstacles for China-Australia ties.”

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles said Australia wanted to maintain “the most productive relationship we can” with China, but would not back down on speaking to our national interests.

“The global rules-based order, freedom of navigation in places like the South China Sea are really fundamental to Australia’s national interest,” Mr Marles told Sky News.

“We will always speak to those interests.

“We would like to see the relationship (with China) be put in a better place … While the government has changed in Australia, our national interest hasn’t, and we will continue to speak up for our national interests.

“We will do that without fear or favour.”

Mr Marles said China’s increased rhetoric was “deeply concerning”, and pleaded for there not to be an escalation of tension.

“We want to see a de-escalation of tensions, and that’s what we will be calling for,” he said.

Meanwhile, Taipei has thanked Australia for its support in the wake of China’s latest round of actions.

“With each instance of China’s military coercion against Taiwan, we see the determination of the global alliance of democracies to stand up against authoritarianism and uphold democracy,” a Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement read.

China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, will address the National Press Club later on Wednesday.