Australian PM Scott Morrison reviews a Guard of Honour in Tokyo. File/Associated Press

Gulf Today Report

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he is seeking an apology from the Chinese government for a fake image tweeted by a Chinese official containing that an Australian soldier appearing to slit a child’s throat

Morrison said it is “truly repugnant.” Australia was seeking the removal of the image posted on Monday by Zhao Lijian, a spokesman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The incident is further increasing tensions between the two nations in a relationship that was already under strain.

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"It is utterly outrageous and cannot be justified on any basis... The Chinese government should be utterly ashamed of this post. It diminishes them in the world's eyes," Morrison told media at a press briefing.

Zhao wrote a caption with the tweet saying: “Shocked by murder of Afghan civilians & prisoners by Australian soldiers. We strongly condemn such acts, & call for holding them accountable.”

Zhao was referring to a disturbing report by Australia’s military earlier this month which found evidence that elite Australian troops unlawfully killed 39 Afghan prisoners, farmers and civilians during the conflict in Afghanistan.

The report recommended 19 soldiers be referred to federal police for criminal investigation.