Australia lifts US beef imports ban

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned the United States against walking away from the AUKUS agreement in the face of the potential threat posed by China.

The defence pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom is currently under review by the Pentagon, who harbour concerns it will impede the United States' efforts to combat China's influence.

Morrison was a key figure in the creation of AUKUS, and made a surprise appearance at a congressional committee on Thursday (AEST), where he warned Australia should remain vigilant.

Scott Morrison went into bat for the partnership he helped orchestrate.

"There are some irreconcilable differences between an authoritarian regime in China... and the activities of free and open states," he told the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

"We have to be clear and not pretend that... somehow this is going to be resolved through discussion... If we think that that is going to produce a change in the mindset in Beijing about what their objectives are, then we're frankly kidding ourselves.

"I would highlight the need to never become casual about the potential threat and to remain vigilant."

Morrison, who was Prime Minister between 2018-2022, had a tense and at times tumultuous relationship with Beijing, culminating in high tariffs slapped on Australian products and a diplomatic freeze.

The Morrison-led Coalition government had a hard stance on China, including calling for an investigation into the origin of COVID-19, despite protests from China.

The incumbent Labor government, led by Anthony Albanese, has seen a thaw in relations and the Prime Minister made a state visit to China earlier this month.

Morrison was adamant his strong stance against China was correct.

"I am pleased our government provided the example of resistance and resilience, by standing firm, rather than acquiescence and appeasement," he said.

He also took aim at Albanese, accusing him of neglecting other areas of defence.

Labor has axed billions in defence spending, but still spends 2 per cent of GDP on defence, with an aim to increase this to 2.3 per cent by 2033.

It also pledged to spend $368 billion on AUKUS over three decades in April 2023.

"It wasn't [meant to be] 'AUKUS instead', it was 'AUKUS as well'," he said.

Scott Morrison was a key figure behind the creation of AUKUS during his tenbure as Prime Minister.

"And 'AUKUS as well' was at least going to add another half a per cent of GDP, at least... [or] possibly more."

DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.