China has urged Australia to refrain from making "irresponsible remarks", after Australia issued a foreign policy paper citing security risks in the disputed South China Sea caused by China's activities.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman says Australia should not take sides because it isn't directly involved in the territorial disputes.
China claims virtually the entire South China Sea, pitting it against Taiwan and four Southeast Asian nations with overlapping claims in the waterway.
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Lu Kang says Australia should mind its own business.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has downplayed the criticisms of Australia's foreign policy document.
She has told the ABC, her discussions with senior Chinese officials have been positive.
