China has reacted to US-Australia defence talks by sending a warning to Canberra that it should not "go further on the road of harming [bilateral] relations".
That warning was followed up with the comment that "any attempt to pressure China will never succeed".
This week, the United States and Australia signed a new "statement of principles" to expand defence ties and ramp up cooperation on the back of the growing threat of a rising China, as a part of the annual Australia-United States Ministerial Consultation (AUSMIN) talks.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday the two countries condemned Beijing's crackdown on Hong Kong and vowed to work together to counter state-sponsored disinformation campaigns.
They also expressed "deep concerns" over the "campaign of repression of Uyghurs" in Xinjiang and hardened their positions on the contested waters of the South China Sea.
The remarks also brought a response from the Chinese embassy spokesperson.
"[Beijing] firmly rejects and opposes the unfounded accusations and attacks against China on issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and the South China Sea made in the recent Joint Statement of Australia-US Ministerial Consultations," the spokesperson said.
"Their assertions, in disregard of basic facts, violated international law and basic norms governing international relations and grossly interfered in China's internal affairs."
'This isn't about picking America versus China': Pompeo
At a joint news conference, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters that "this isn't about picking America versus China. This is about [nations] choosing freedom and democracy against tyranny and authoritarian regime."
Mr Pompeo also praised Australia for standing up to pressure from China and said Washington and Canberra would continue to work together to reassert the rule of law in the South China Sea.
However, Canberra still appears to be resisting a push from the US to conduct more assertive freedom-of-navigation exercises in the region.
During the press conference, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marise Payne, stressed the importance of maintaining a relationship with China, but said Canberra would not make decisions that could jeopardise Australia's national interest.
"We make our own decisions, our own judgments in the Australian national interest, about upholding our security, our prosperity, and our values," Senator Payne said.
China claims its territory in the South China Sea with a vague "nine-dash line" which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan.
It is estimated that one-third of global trade passes through the South China Sea, making it a strategic trade route.
This month, Washington accused Beijing of "a campaign of bullying" for attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea.
Australia followed suit by writing a letter to the United Nations, saying China's territorial claims were "inconsistent" with international law.
"We reiterate that the Chinese side is unwavering in upholding national sovereignty, security and its legitimate rights and interests," China's embassy spokesperson said.
"We are firmly committed to maintaining regional peace and stability."
