Chinese state media has labelled Australia's attempt at smoothing trade barriers between the countries as "two-faced" and accused the government of attempting to "butter bread on both sides" in a piercing editorial.

English-language newspaper China Daily published an opinion piece warning Canberra over simultaneously pursuing stronger trade relations with China while strengthening security ties with the United States.

"Australia should confront the stark contradiction between its economic interests and its security alignment, as the latter only escalates regional tensions and undermines stability," the editorial reads.

"While benefiting from trade with China, Australia continues to try and sustain the AUKUS arrangement, a US-led mechanism targeting China, and lend support to

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