Australia opted not to join a European protest over the wording of a trade statement issued at China's "One Belt, One Road" summit in Beijing, with Trade Minister Steve Ciobo confirming he signed the controversial document.

Opposition to the statement emerged following the close of the summit on Monday, casting a shadow over China's efforts to sell its ambitious infrastructure plan to the world.

European officials reportedly refused to sign the statement because it didn't include clauses on transparency and tendering standards. It was one of the documents the Chinese were hoping to present at the end of the two-day summit, along with a joint communiqué signed by the 30 leaders in attendance.

Steven Ciobo: "The statement aligns with Australia's position on resisting protectionism and increasing trade liberalisation." David Paul Morris

While the communiqué was released, the trade statement has not been made public.

"Australia supported the 'Initiative on Promoting Unimpeded Trade Cooperation along the Belt and Road' statement issued at the end of the trade session," said a spokesman for Mr Ciobo, who participated in the trade panel on Sunday.