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A furore which erupted around the presence of the Chinese research vessel Tan Suo Yi Hao off the South Australian coast has deepen after the Chinese Embassy has hit out at Australian media for their language around its presence.

In a statement released on Wednesday, a Chinese Embassy spokesman reiterated that ship’s sole objective in the region was for research and had fully complied with international laws outside of Australia’s economic zone.

The spokesman also slammed media reporting of its presence in the region as “smearing” the scientific research activities.

“Politicising or stigmatising of the research activities is disrespectful to global scientific development,” he said in a statement.

The spokesman called for an end to “groundless suspicion and speculations”.

“We are strongly against that,” he said.

“As science knows no borders, over recent years China has conducted joint scientific expeditions with multiple countries, making positive contribution to global marine biodiversity protection and sustainable development.

“The vessel has all along carried out normal activities at sea and has performed no operation in the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone.

“These activities are not directed at any third party and have nothing to do with China-Australia relations, let alone the Australian federal election.

“China always upholds the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and does not want to participate in, interfere with, or comment on Australia’s election.”