Australian media mogul, Kerry Stokes has expressed serious concerns over the presence of American soldiers on Australian soil as it snatched away the opportunity for the country to be neutral.

He criticized the decision by the Australian government to allow stationing of US troops in Darwin, a move that had deeply angered China and fuelled mistrust between the two countries. The billionaire said that the decision showed that Australia has chosen side and does not remain neutral.

“We give the impression that we're joining sides. We never had to join sides. China always accepted our relationship with America. Allowing the troops in Australia has just aggravated something that was accepted before and made it more dominant,” he said.

The Seven Network chairman said in his key note address at the Australia in China's Century Conference that the attitude of Australian politicians, who travel to China and openly ask the government to change its systems, has shown disrespect for the country. He pointed out that Australian politicians have always been cautious in their dealings abroad.

Mr Stokes has urged the politicians of both the countries to work towards the betterment in ties between the two countries.