The US embassy in Australia has gone into damage control over controversial comments by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that America would “simply disconnect” if Victoria’s decision to join China’s Belt and Road plan impacted telecommunications.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said all Belt and Road projects needed to be carefully scrutinised.Credit:AP.

Mr Pompeo said all Australians should know that “every one of those Belt and Road projects needs to be looked at incredibly closely”.

“We are not aware that Victoria has engaged in any concrete projects under BRI, let alone projects impinging on telecommunications networks, which we understand are a federal matter,” Mr Culvahouse said.

A Victorian government spokeswoman said the Belt and Road Initiative was about creating opportunities for Victorian businesses and local jobs.

He called on the state government to explain how Victorians benefited from the Belt and Road Initiative