China has lodged solemn representations with Australia over inappropriate comments by former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott about China's Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters on Monday.

Zhao stressed that the commitment to the one-China principle is a well-recognized norm of international relations as well as the basis and political foundation to friendly ties with China.

He rebuked Abbott's recent actions as a serious violation of the one-China principle, saying it sends "a seriously wrong signal." China is firmly opposed to this, said Zhao.

Read more:

China slams Tsai Ing-wen's speech, says China must be reunified

Zhao also pointed out that the remarks made by some Australian politicians are extremely absurd. According to the spokesperson, they act on their own political interests to distort the facts, incite confrontation, boast China Threat Theory and grossly intervene in China's internal affairs.

"Their smear against China is extremely immoral, irresponsible and unpopular," Zhao stated, urging Australian politicians to discard the Cold-War mentality and ideological prejudice, respect the truth, stop making irresponsible remarks and rationally treat China's development.