China warns Australia and Japan over 'confrontational' new defence pact

Australian ministers urge dialogue to resolve dispute as Beijing says countries may pay corresponding price'

Australia and Japan will pay a corresponding price" if their new defence pact threatens China's security, Chinese state media has warned, as Scott Morrison insisted the deal should not cause any concerns to Beijing.

The state-run Global Times newspaper declared the new agreement accelerates the confrontational atmosphere in the Asia-Pacific region" and was aimed against China.