China's main planning body, the National Reform and Development Commission, announced the move in response to actions by the Australian government.

Beijing accused Australia of carrying out a "Series of measures to disrupt normal exchanges and cooperation" and said the Commonwealth government had a "Cold War mindset" and practised "ideological discrimination".

High-level ministerial communication had already been frozen by China's government and this latest move comes after the Morrison government last month cancelled a Belt and Road agreement between China and the state of Victoria.

The latest setback in the bilateral relationship also comes after the Australian government said it would review the lease on the Port of Darwin, awarded to Chinese company Landbridge in 2015.

Can't miss what you haven't got:

China watchers this week warned that that decision could deliver a knockout blow to inbound Chinese investment, which has already slowed to a trickle due to bilateral tensions and a tighter rein on debt by Beijing.

“The tap has not only been turned off. It has been well and truly dismantled,” one Shanghai-based lawyer advising Chinese companies on inbound Australia investment said on Monday.

More to come.

Story By | Bill Birtles

Sources | ABC / Wires