Scott Morrison has lashed out at China after a government official shared a highly distressing fake image on social media.
Lijian Zhao, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, posted a doctored photo of an Australian Defence Force soldier stood behind a child with a knife to their throat. A caption in the photo says: "Don't be afraid, we're coming to bring you peace."
In the tweet, Zhao added: "Shocked by murder of Afghan civilians & prisoners by Australian soldiers. We strongly condemn such acts, & call for holding them accountable."
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The government spokesperson is referring to the Australian Defence Force's report in alleged war crimes involving Aussie soldiers in Afghanistan.
An investigation is underway into claims 39 Afghanis were killed by ADF soldiers and the 'nature and extent of the misconduct allegedly committed by ADF members on operations in Afghanistan is very confronting'.
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One of the allegations being levelled involves Australian soldiers cutting the throats of two young boys and dumping their bodies in a river on suspicions they were sympathisers of the Taliban.
Despite authorities trying to get on top of these allegations, Australia's Prime Minister believes the criticism from China is completely uncalled for.
Scott Morrison has asked for an apology from the country or from Zhao and believes it has deeply damaged the relationship between the two countries.
"It is utterly outrageous and it cannot be justified on any basis whatsoever," Mr Morrison said. "The Chinese government should be totally ashamed of this post. It does diminishes them in the world's eye.
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"Australia is seeking an apology from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from the Chinese government for this outrageous tweet. We are also seeking its removal immediately and have also contacted Twitter to take it down immediately.
"It is a false image, and a terrible slur on our great defence forces and the men and women who've served in that uniform for over 100 years."
He added that the process of getting this communication to China will be done through the proper methods and that Foreign Affairs Secretary Frances Adamson has already spoken to China's ambassador.
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Mr Morrison said Australia is investigating these allegations of war crimes in the way it sees fit.
"In a liberal democracy, this is how you deal with issues such as this [the inquiry and investigation] you don't engage disinformation, and the ugliness that we see in this post on the Chinese government Twitter account today," he said.
"The only thing that has brought shame today is this appalling post by the Chinese government."
Mr Morrison said the best thing that can happen is if both countries hit the 'reset' button and try to repair their relationship.
Featured Image Credit: PA