A Monash University lecturer has been suspended after an exam was posted online with an answer that said Chinese government officials 'only speak the truth when they are drunk or careless'.

University students were outraged at the exam, which was posted to students in the Melbourne institution's human resources management class, reported CGTN.

The question read: 'There is a common saying in China that Government officials only speak the truth when...?'

To receive a mark, students must have answered: 'they are drunk or careless'.

Students at Monash University were asked to complete a 'common saying in China', which stated Government officials only told the truth when they were drunk

A screenshot from the exam shows one student answering: 'they have had statements approved by the party', but is marked incorrect.

Under the explanation for the answer, the quiz reads: 'to speak the truth could upset a superior and destroy a bureaucrats career'.

Another question in the exam which earned the ire of international students asked: 'In China, what has been identified as a major barrier to modernisation and the introduction of new technology and industrial reform?'.

The correct answer on the test was: 'a lack of skilled workers, especially managers'.

Following a multitude of complaints, Robert Brooks, the Deputy Dean of Education, issued an 'immediate withdrawal' of the exam.

Another question in the controversial exam claimed the country suffered from a 'lack of skilled workers'

'Some of the questions are unsatisfactory and do not reflect the beliefs and views of Monash university,' he wrote in an email to students.

'As a result this quiz is immediately withdrawn and we will be in touch with you next week as regards alternative assessment arrangements.'

A spokeswoman from the Chinese embassy told The Australian that the Melbourne Chinese consulate was involved, and 'dealing with the issue'.

The University has 4400 undergraduate students from China, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Monash University for comment.