China's new ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, has stayed silent on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
At a Lunar New Year event in Canberra on Saturday, Xiao Qian was approached by SBS News and asked a number of times why Beijing is refusing to call out Russia on its actions.
The recently appointed ambassador declined to comment or personally condemn Moscow.
Amid the outbreak of war in eastern Europe, Beijing has rejected the use of the term "invasion" to describe Russia’s attack and has called for restraint on both sides.
Last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison slammed China for lifting restrictions on Russian wheat imports the day it invaded its neighbour.
"You don't go and throw a lifeline to Russia in the middle of a period when they are invading another country," Mr Morrison said.
"That is simply unacceptable ... and I would urge all nations to decide this is not a time to be easing trade restrictions with Russia."
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin hit back at Mr Morrison's criticism, accusing Australia of "spreading false information to smear and blame China".
"Such irresponsible behaviour is despicable. China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear," Mr Wang said on Friday.
"Meanwhile, China and Russia carry out normal trade co-operation in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity."
"We also see that the issue of Ukraine has its own complex and special historical merits and understand Russia's legitimate concerns on security issues," he said.
After years of growing tension between Canberra and Beijing, Mr Xiao last week told SBS News to restore cordial China-Australia relations.
He was speaking at a ceremony to honour NSW police officer Kelly Foster, who died trying to save the life of a Chinese national in 2021.
"The diplomatic channel is open. It is open today and it will remain open," he said.
Australia has joined the US and European nations in on Russia, as well as providing non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine.
On Saturday, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that deplored "in the strongest terms" the country's "aggression" against Ukraine and demanded the immediate withdrawal of its troops.
China, joined by India and the United Arab Emirates abstained from the vote while eleven of the council's 15 members voted in favour of the motion.
China's abstention comes only weeks after it signed a historic 'no-limits partnership' with Russia as they joined forces in an alliance they said is stronger than any prior Cold War alliance.
"Friendship between the two states has no limits, there are no 'forbidden' areas of cooperation," the two countries said in a joint statement.
