Larsen's statement received support from 14 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, and Japan, all urging China to fulfill its international human rights obligations.

These tensions arise even as Australia and China have seen some recent positive developments, such as the resumption of live lobster imports to China by the end of the year.

This diplomatic spat coincided with a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS Summit, reinforcing the long-term friendship between China and Russia.

Australia's UN Ambassador James Larsen recently issued a joint statement condemning human rights violations in China, particularly in Xinjiang and Tibet, which has prompted a strong verbal backlash from China.

In response, Pakistan's UN Ambassador Munir Akram, representing 80 countries, insisted that issues in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet should be regarded as China's internal matters.

China retaliated by condemning these nations for neglecting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has escalated following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Li Jian criticized Australia for its own human rights record, highlighting the treatment of refugees, immigrants, and Indigenous peoples.

Amidst these diplomatic challenges, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, where discussions on China's influence in the Pacific are a significant focus.

A UN report from two years ago indicated that China's detention of Uyghurs may amount to crimes against humanity, further complicating the international dialogue on human rights.

Meanwhile, US Deputy Ambassador Lisa Carty condemned China's actions in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, while advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and increased humanitarian aid.

China has accused Australia of human rights hypocrisy, citing a history of systemic racial discrimination and alleged crimes committed by Australian soldiers during military operations.

Despite condemning China's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Australia has not fully aligned with its allies on imposing sanctions against Chinese suppliers.