The file photo shows a port in the Australian city of Darwin, which is under a 370-million US dollar lease with a Chinese company Landbridge Group for 99 years. [Photo: China.com]

The Chinese government has issued its response to word the US government conducted a secret poll to gauge concerns about a Chinese acquisition in Australia.

It's being reported the US State Department surveyed people about their thoughts on Chinese firm Landbridge's 370-million US dollar lease of a port in the northern Australian city of Darwin last year.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei says any concerns people might have about the agreement are unjustified.

He says, "This investment by a Chinese enterprise is a normal business operation that complies with market principles, international rules, and Australian laws. The leasing has brought enormous economic benefits to both countries, and is welcomed by the government and the people of Australia."

The Australian government says it is not going to put any stock into the results of the survey, noting it was conducted through text-messaging.

Revelations of the US survey come at the same time the US military attempts to negotiate the placement of additional US Air Force personnel and equipment in northern Australia.