BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- China said Monday it has demanded clarification and explanation from Australia over the latter's reported involvement in U.S. spying activities against China.

Speaking at a routine press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Hei again urged diplomatic missions abide by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, and refrain from activities not in line with their duties.

Media reports alleged that Australia took part in a vast U.S.-led surveillance network that spied on many countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including China.

Hong said that China-Australia relations are facing an important opportunity, as China's development has created vast opportunities for Australia.

China and Australia must respect each other, work for a win-win situation and jointly safeguard the safe and sound development of bilateral relations, the spokesman said.