AN influential Chinese newspaper has called for retaliation against Australia after Australian mining mogul and politician Clive Palmer described China's government as "b*******" who shoot their own people.

The Australian government has rebuked Mr Palmer for his comments and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she planned to contact the Chinese embassy to stress the parliament does not share his "abusive" views.

While the Chinese government has yet to publicly comment, the state-run Global Times newspaper weighed into the controversy, saying Australia should be taught a lesson.

It said: "China cannot let him off, or show petty kindness just because the Australian government has condemned him. China must be aware Mr Palmer's rampant rascality serves as a symbol that Australian society has an unfriendly attitude toward China."