This file photo shows Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian at a regular press conference on March 5, 2020, in Beijing, China. (PHOTO COURTESY OF FOREIGN MINISTRY OF THE PRC)

BEIJING / HONG KONG - China warned that it reserves the right to take action in response to Australia's announcement to extend the visas of Hong Kong people in the country and suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong. 

China urged Australia to change course and stop any form of interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's other internal affairs to avoid further undermining China-Australia relations

In a press briefing Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said China strongly condemns Australia's remarks and measures that severely violate international laws and basic norms governing international relations.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday Hong Kong students, graduates and workers in Australia on temporary visas will have the opportunity to stay and work for an extra five years and apply for permanent residency after that time. 

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Morrison also made a pitch for international financial services, consulting and media businesses with regional headquarters in Hong Kong to relocate to Australia, saying his government would proactively encourage that. Australia also changed its travel advisory for Hong Kong, where around 100,000 Australians live and work.

Responding to this, Zhao said in Beijing, "It is a gross interference in China's internal affairs. ... All consequences will be borne by Australia." 

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Zhao stressed that any attempts to suppress China will never succeed, urging Australia to change course and stop any form of interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's other internal affairs to avoid further undermining China-Australia relations.

Two-way trade between the countries was worth A$235 billion last year.