Some inside the ranks of Victorian Labor warn there is "confusion and concern" among Caucus and the community about Mr Andrews' deals with China, especially the decision for Victoria to take the unusual step of signing up to the Belt and Road Initiative.

It once again made China a hot-button issue for Mr Andrews.

On Sunday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who admitted he had no knowledge of the Victorian deal, weighed in, warning relationships with China came with incredible risks, especially around telecommunications.

With some simmering distrust of the Chinese state in the Victorian community, it is a relationship that will need to be managed carefully.

That does not stop criticism that Mr Andrews is overstepping his role as a state premier.

"They [China] played Andrews for a bit of a fool," Mr Jennings said.

But throughout his tenure, Mr Andrews has shown a willingness to stare down his critics, especially if that criticism comes from federal MPs.