China warns distance on Hong Kong protests

The federal government has been warned not to meddle with China's affairs with Hong Kong after almost three months of pro-democracy protests.

There are mounting fears China could be about to escalate its response to mass rallies by anti-government protesters, including last week's action that closed Hong Kong's international airport.

China's ambassador to Australia has told The Sydney Morning Herald matters in Hong Kong are solely the internal affairs of China.

Cheng Jingye also warned that any effort to "mess up" the former British outpost was doomed to fail.

Hundreds of pro-Hong Kong and pro-China protesters took to the streets in both Sydney and Melbourne over the weekend.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week said Australian officials were focused on de-escalating tensions between protesters and Chinese authorities.

About 100,000 Australians are estimated to be living in Hong Kong with a further 10,000 visiting at any one time.