Dutton, the Home Affairs Minister, criticised the Chinese Communist Party on Friday, accusing it of cyber attacks and infiltrating Australian universities.

China Daily, the main English-language newspaper published in China, said "Dutton represents a clique of alt-right forces in Canberra which seems always ready to blame China for Australia's own problems or tries fishing for its own political gains by criticising China".

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It also repeated criticism of Australian media that is frequently raised with Australian diplomats in Beijing by Chinese foreign ministry officials.

"To improve ties with its biggest trading partner, [Canberra] needs to distance itself from irresponsible remarks like those from Dutton and at the same time step up efforts that facilitate positive interaction with China," the newspaper counselled.

The more sensational Chinese-language Global Times summarised Dutton's comments in a news story headlined "Grating comments of Australian minister undermine Australia China relationship".

Despite a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, no Australian prime minister has visited China since 2016.

No Chinese leader has visited Australia since premier Li Keqiang was hosted by then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull in March 2017.

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