WATCH: DeSantis questions why US allies with Australia given their military lockdowns

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reacted to Australia's COVID lockdown situation Tuesday in a speech at the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference in Tampa, Florida.

"You guys, look what's going on in Australia right now," he said. "You know... they're still enforcing lockdowns by the military. That's not a free country. It's not a free country at all."

Life in Australia currently centers around the government's lockdown restrictions among different parts and the ensuing public unrest. At this time last week, police in Melbourne used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up crowds of demonstrators.

According to The New York Times, Sydney is planning to transition from its lockdown in October.

"I wonder [how] we still have the same diplomatic relations when they're doing that." posed DeSantis. "Is Australia freer than Communist China right now? I don't know. The fact that that's even a question tells you something has gone dramatically off the rails."

Earlier Tuesday, Reuters reported the Premier of New South Wales swore that "life for the unvaccinated will be very difficult indefinitely."

In that part of Australia, the government announced "friend bubble" visits among youths under 18, but only if the residing adults at home are fully vaccinated. Each child has two designated friends, and they must always remain the same.

The Florida governor then reflected on the differences in his government's COVID response compared to the Biden administration and others over mask requirements and vaccine mandates.

The latest clash with the federal government had him arrange for COVID monoclonal antibody treatments directly with their manufacturers and sidestep regulations the White House put in place over the supply chain.

DeSantis' remarks come following the new defense pact between Australia (AU), the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) for nuclear submarines, which caused France to react in a brief fit of diplomatic anger.

Besides the COVID issue, the state of Florida recently announced a lawsuit against the Biden administration over claims the federal government violated immigration law with their usage of "catch and release" policies.