China has uncharacteristically lashed out at Australia’s spy chief with a warning to “stop making irresponsible statements”, after he suggested Australia is under serious threat of “high-impact sabotage” on critical infrastructure.

On Wednesday, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said Australia had reached the “threshold” for such attacks, adding there were “no prizes for guessing” from which nation they originated.

Overnight, however, China’s foreign industry spokesman Guo Jiakun indicated his nation took offence to the remarks.

“In recent months, the Australian official you mentioned repeatedly hurled attacks at China, spread disinformation and deliberately sowed division and confrontation,” he claimed.

“China firmly opposes it and has protested with Australia.

“It’s hoped that the

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