'We were singled out': Top Chinese diplomat slams Australia's calls for probe into COVID-19 origins

Beijing's number two diplomat in Australia says China does not interfere in Australia's internal affairs and warned Canberra to stop intervening in Beijing's affairs, in a rare public address at the National Press Club.

The Chinese Embassy's Deputy Head of Mission, Wang Xining, delivered his view on the growing tensions between Beijing and Canberra saying respect, goodwill, fairness and vision should be the principles steering the "comprehensive, strategic partnership".

"We may disagree on some issues, and even disagree on how disagreements should be presented," he said.

"But our partnership will not be wrecked by differences or disagreements as long as we reach each other well and approach all the issues with goodwill."

Last week China launched a probe into allegations of Australian wine dumping after earlier trade sanctions on Australian beef and barley exports.

These issues have been interpreted as a form of "retaliation" to the Commonwealth Government's foreign interference laws, its decision to ban Huawei from Australia's 5G network and Prime Minister Scott Morrison pushing for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19.

Mr Wang was asked why the Central Government opposed calls for a review and he said the Australian Government never consulted the Chinese Government, which lacked "courtesy and diplomacy".

"During that time Australian ministers claimed that the virus originated from Wuhan province, they did not point to any other places as a source. We were singled out; we don't think it is fair," he said.

Mr Wang wouldn't be drawn on whether COVID-19 originated in Wuhan saying, "we should leave the work to scientists".