Australia's statements about an incident involving Chinese military aircraft over the South China Sea are an attempt to cover up an Australian "intrusion" into Chinese airspace, the Chinese defence ministry said on Wednesday.

China’s escalating curbs on the critical minerals has given Australia, a longstanding U.S. ally, the opportunity to reposition itself to a transactional president.

China has fiercely hit back at Australia over an airspace interaction between the two countries that has seen tensions flare, and claimed an Australian plane “seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty”.

President Donald Trump said he wants to accelerate nuclear submarine deliveries to Australia under the AUKUS agreement during White House meeting.