This photo taken from the official Facebook page of the Chinese Embassy in Australia shows the building of the embassy in Canberra.

HONG KONG - The Chinese Embassy in Australia on Tuesday urged Canberra to face up to the atrocities committed by its soldiers against Afghan civilians and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a statement, the embassy spokesperson also said that some Australian politicians and media had misread and overreacted to a social media post of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on the issue.   

Australia’s Foreign Affairs and Trade secretary had called Chinese Ambassador Cheng Jingye to complain about Zhao’s social media post but the envoy “refuted the unwarranted accusations as absolutely unacceptable”

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Australia’s Foreign Affairs and Trade secretary had called Chinese Ambassador Cheng Jingye to complain about Zhao’s social media post but the envoy “refuted the unwarranted accusations as absolutely unacceptable,” according to the statement.

“It’s our advice that the Australian side face up to the crimes committed by the Australian soldiers in Afghanistan, hold those perpetrators accountable and bring justice to the victims,” the spokesperson said. 

“We would like to further stress the following: the rage and roar of some Australian politicians and media is nothing but misreading of and overreaction to Mr Zhao’s tweet.”

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According to the statement, the accusations against Zhao’s tweet were meant to deflect public attention from the horrible atrocities committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. 

“The other is to blame China for the worsening of bilateral ties. There may be another attempt to stoke domestic nationalism,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson urged the Australian side to “face up to the crux of the current setback of bilateral relationship” and take constructive practical steps to help bring it back to the right track.

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