Beijing: The Chinese government has rebuked Australia for "irresponsible" remarks about Chinese island building in the South China Sea in its Foreign Policy White Paper issued on Thursday.

The paper says the South China Sea is a fault line, and that Australia is particularly concerned at the "unprecedented pace and scale" of China's activities in the region crucial for shipping.

Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop during the official launch of the 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra. Credit:AAP

"Australia has been saying it will not take sides," said China's foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang in a briefing late on Thursday. "We hope Australia will stop issuing these irresponsible remarks, especially when ASEAN countries have reached consensus".

However, China's foreign ministry said that, although it contained "some negative statements", a full reading of the White Paper showed "an objective look at the China Australia relationship".