China has voiced its displeasure with Australia's criticism of the corruption trial in Shanghai of four employees of mining giant Rio Tinto, calling it "irresponsible".
"We express serious concern over the Australian remarks," foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters. "The Australian side should respect that result and stop making such irresponsible remarks."
On Monday, Australian executive Stern Hu and three Chinese colleagues were convicted on charges of bribery and stealing trade secrets and sentenced to jail terms ranging from seven to 14 years.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said there were "serious unanswered questions" about the commercial secrets portion of the three-day trial, which was held behind closed doors.
"In holding this part of the trial in secret, China I believe has missed an opportunity to demonstrate to the world at large transparency that would be consistent with its emerging global role," Rudd said.
Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith meanwhile said the case could raise concerns for foreign companies doing business in China.
ACC seeks 'clarity'
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it would seek clarity from Chinese authorities on the "unanswered questions" from the Hu case, namely the lack of transparency in the trial, and the period of detention without trial.
Nathan Backhouse, ACCI's manager of trade and international relations, said the issues raised by the Hu case went to the "necessary confidence Australian businesses require when doing business abroad".
Meanwhile, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission is reportedly considering investigating Rio Tinto after its staff, whom it sacked, were convicted.
