The opposition in Australia has accused the government of bowing to Chinese pressure in banning a protest by supporters of the Falun Gong spiritual movement.
An Australian Green party senator, Bob Brown, said the protesters - who had been demonstrating outside the Chinese embassy in Canberra for nine months - were ordered to move just before the arrival of the Chinese Foreign Minister, Tang Jiaxuan.
Mr Tang said he had told his Australian counterpart, Alexander Downer, that the Falun Gong was an evil cult which not only was creating trouble in China, but was now exporting it to Australia.
Mr Tang also said he had asked the Australian Government not to have any contact with the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, when he visits the country in May.
He said the two ministers had agreed to expand trade relations further.
Trade between China and Australia is booming - it amounted to more than $9bn in 2001.