China's complaints included foreign investment rules, banning Huawei from Australia's 5G network and the push for an inquiry into the origins of coronavirus.

Ambassador Arthur Culvahouse responded to the list being aired through the media with a blunt assessment of Beijing's actions.

"I'll be a little bit undiplomatic," he told reporters in Brisbane on Wednesday.

"That list reflects instances of the government of Australia standing up for its own interest and furthering the national interest of Australia."

The list was leaked last week as diplomatic relations between China and Australia continued to deteriorate.

"You would never see a United States embassy hand such a list to a reporter in Australia," Mr Culvahouse said.

"That is not the way to do diplomacy. That's not the way that one should deal with concerns, it should be done government to government.

"That sort of interference I don't think you would see the United States engage in."

Mr Culvahouse, who was handed the role by the Trump administration last year, expects to return to the US by January 20 when Joe Biden is due to be inaugurated.

"I'm a political appointee, I understand those rules," the ambassador said.

"Political ambassadors, almost without exception, return home when there is a change of administration."

Mr Culvahouse said US law prohibited him from engaging in partisan commentary, but noted the General Services Administration recognised former vice-president Biden as the election winner.

He said America had taken 37 days to reach that point after the 2000 presidential contest between George Bush and Al Gore.

"By that standard, if you're old, this is not unusual and not remarkable."

Australian Associated Press