Liberal politicians Andrew Hastie and James Paterson have rejected Beijing's demand they "repent" for their criticism of the Chinese Communist Party.

Key points: Andrew Hastie says he is "disappointed but not surprised" he has been banned from entering China

Andrew Hastie says he is "disappointed but not surprised" he has been banned from entering China Both he and James Paterson say they will not "repent" for their comments, despite calls from the Chinese embassy for them to do so

Both he and James Paterson say they will not "repent" for their comments, despite calls from the Chinese embassy for them to do so Senator Paterson says he will not be repenting "on the instruction of any foreign power"

The West Australian MP and Victorian Senator were due to take part in a study tour to China next month.

But when the tour operator called the Chinese embassy to arrange their visas, it was told the pair was "unwelcome at this time".

Both politicians have been outspoken critics of China's authoritarian state, particularly its human rights record and alleged interference in Australia's political system.

An embassy spokesperson said the Chinese people "do not welcome those who make unwarranted attacks" on their nation.

"China will never yield to colonisation of ideas and values," the statement said.

"As long as the people concerned genuinely repent and redress their mistakes, view China with objectivity and reason, respect China's system and mode of development chosen by the Chinese people, the door of dialogue and exchanges will always remain open."

Andrew Hastie and James Paterson have refused to "repent" for their comments about China. ( ABC News )

That offer was outright rejected by Mr Hastie, the chair of Parliament's joint intelligence and security committee.

"Senator James Paterson and I will not repent, let me be very clear," he said.

"We will not repent for standing up for Australian sovereignty, our values, our interests, and standing up for people who can't stand up for themselves."

Mr Hastie said he was "disappointed but not surprised" he was banned from the country.

"They want a one-way conversation, and I believe very deeply in democracy, as does James, and we believe in the exchange of ideas, and that's what the whole trip was about, so they need to come to the party too."

He said he remained open to a trip to the country next year.

"I suspect unless I repent I won't be welcome, and there will be no repentance," he said.

Mr Hastie's comments were echoed by Senator Paterson.

"There won't be any repenting," he said.

"I'm elected to represent the Australian people — their values, their concerns, their interests.

"I won't be repenting on the instruction of any foreign power."

Australia's overall relations with China have deteriorated in recent years amid accusations China is meddling in domestic affairs.

Canberra also fears China is seeking undue influence in the Pacific region.

Labor frontbencher Stephen Jones told Sky News the situation was "unfortunate".

"I personally don't believe that anything is going to be gained between our two countries if we just pull down the shutters," he said.

"I think because of the mismanagement of this Government we've got relations with China at an all-time low."

New York Times report on Uyghurs 'troubling', Hastie says

Mr Hastie also described a 400-page trove of Chinese Government documents leaked to the New York Times as "hugely significant".

Anti-China protesters show support for Andrew Hastie. ( ABC: Max Walden )

One million ethnic Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other Muslims have been detained by the Chinese Communist Party in internment camps in Xinjiang province in north-western China.

The reports detail secret speeches delivered by President Xi Jinping instructing officials to use the "weapons" of "dictatorship" without hesitation against Uyghur militants.

Chinese officials were also instructed to tell relatives of those detained to be grateful, given they were "infected" by the "virus" of Islamic radicalism.

The report states relatives were told their behaviour could either shorten or extend the detention of their relatives.

Mr Hastie said the report was concerning.

"The New York Times report is most troubling because it reveals exactly what the regime is thinking on the inside," he said.

"The key take away for me is those who are interned and those that are being re-educated are infected, as they say, with unhealthy thoughts.

"It's our duty to stand up for them, and argue the point, and ask for their freedom.

"It's hugely significant, a massive story, and really, really important for every Australian to read it."

In a statement, Foreign Minister Marise Payne described the reports as "disturbing".

"We have consistently called for China to cease the arbitrary detention of Uyghurs and other groups," she said.

"We have raised these concerns — and we will continue to raise them both bilaterally and in relevant international meetings."

Speaking in Adelaide, Shadow Foreign Minister Penny Wong said it was a "deeply disturbing report".

"We would urge China to respond to this report transparently and swiftly," she said.