Australia probes ‘deeply disturbing’ claims of China interference
5 years, 1 month ago

Australia probes ‘deeply disturbing’ claims of China interference

Al Jazeera  

Australia’s spy agency says taking seriously allegations China tried to bankroll businessman’s bid for Parliament seat. Australia‘s domestic spy agency is investigating whether China tried to install an agent in its federal parliament in what Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday called “deeply disturbing” allegations. “I find the allegations deeply disturbing and troubling,” Morrison told reporters in Canberra, adding the government had beefed up Australia’s laws and security agencies to counter foreign interference. Wang’s account sparked an angry reaction in the influential state-owned tabloid Global Times on Monday, which said: “Chinese people would intuitively know that Wang sounds like an opportunistic liar, probably a swindler.” The newspaper said someone of Wang’s age would have been “in a training or intern programme” if they were in the national security department. “If Australia’s intelligence agency really believed Wang, it would have taken secret counter-espionage actions instead of letting the media expose it,” the Global Times said.

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History of this topic

Despite the Diplomatic Thaw, Australians Still Deeply Mistrust China
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Despite the Diplomatic Thaw, Australians Still Deeply Mistrust China

The Diplomat  

Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia from June 15-18 highlighted the continuing efforts by both Beijing and Canberra to maintain a working relationship. A growing number of Australians believe that either the United States or China will force the country to choose between close relations with Washington or Beijing, but they are relatively evenly split on which of the …

Former spy for China's secret police reveals operations targeting dissidents in Australia and overseas
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Former spy for China's secret police reveals operations targeting dissidents in Australia and overseas

ABC  

In short: A former spy for China's secret police has revealed his identity and exposed how the regime targets people overseas who are critical of the Chinese government. A former spy for China's secret police has revealed his identity and exposed how the regime targets people overseas who are critical of the Chinese government. 阅读中文版 The inner workings of China's …

Australian ministers won’t comment on media reports that Indian spies were secretly expelled
8 months, 1 week ago

Australian ministers won’t comment on media reports that Indian spies were secretly expelled

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — A senior Australian government minister said Wednesday the bilateral relationship with India was good and had improved in recent years, but declined to comment on reports that two Indian spies were secretly expelled from Australia four years ago. Treasurer Jim Chalmers was asked during a television interview whether India could be considered Australia’s friend after Australian news …

Australian ministers won't comment on media reports that Indian spies were secretly expelled
8 months, 1 week ago

Australian ministers won't comment on media reports that Indian spies were secretly expelled

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A senior Australian government minister …

China Played the Keating Card in Australia
9 months ago

China Played the Keating Card in Australia

The Diplomat  

In mid-March, China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, made a visit to Australia. This does not mean that the relationship is friendly, but instead one where, as Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong reiterated, Australia can “cooperate where it can, and disagree where it must.” Wang’s decision to travel to Australia was an indication that although there is a power differential between …

Australia hosts China FM, sees 'stability' in ties
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Australia hosts China FM, sees 'stability' in ties

The Hindu  

China and Australia claimed to have stabilised long-strained relations after talks in Canberra on Wednesday, despite evident tensions over a high-profile prisoner, trade and a new crackdown in Hong Kong. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong praised renewed "stability" in relations and said it was crucial to recognise "how much progress we have made in a short period of time". An …

First person charged under Australia’s foreign interference laws denies working for China
1 year, 1 month ago

First person charged under Australia’s foreign interference laws denies working for China

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — Lawyers for the first person to be charged under Australia’s foreign interference laws insisted in court Friday that a donation to a hospital made via a federal government minister was not a covert attempt to curry favor on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party. The allegation centers on a novelty check that Duong handed then-Cabinet minister Alan …

Australia says hacks surging, state-sponsored groups targeting critical infrastructure
1 year, 1 month ago

Australia says hacks surging, state-sponsored groups targeting critical infrastructure

The Hindu  

State- Reports of cybercrime surged 23% to more than 94,000 in the financial year to June, the Australian Cyber Security Centre said in its annual threat report on Wednesday. In May, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and Microsoft said a state- Techniques used by the China hacking group could be used against Australia's critical infrastructure including telecommunications, energy and transportation, …

Vantage | Why Australia, China are trying to patch up
1 year, 2 months ago

Vantage | Why Australia, China are trying to patch up

Firstpost  

As Anthony Albanese seeks to reset ties with China, the resilience of this reset will be tested in the face of China’s expanding influence in the Pacific region and the delicate balance of power in the Asia-Pacific In recent years, the relationship between China and Australia has been marked by tension and strife. In response, China imposed a trade war …

Australia's Albanese calls for free and unimpeded trade with China on his visit to Beijing
1 year, 2 months ago

Australia's Albanese calls for free and unimpeded trade with China on his visit to Beijing

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

China and Australia look for ‘mutual benefit’ after years of animosity
1 year, 2 months ago

China and Australia look for ‘mutual benefit’ after years of animosity

Al Jazeera  

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on first visit to Beijing by an Australian leader since 2016. Chinese President Xi Jinping has told Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that their countries could become “trusting partners” as the two leaders moved to recalibrate ties strained for years over issues from trade to human rights and the COVID-19 …

Australian prime minister to protest blogger’s detention conditions while meeting China’s leader
1 year, 2 months ago

Australian prime minister to protest blogger’s detention conditions while meeting China’s leader

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Saturday he would protest a lack of transparency in China’s treatment of a detained Australian democracy blogger when meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing during a trade-focused state visit. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV announced that Albanese arrived in the Chinese financial hub Saturday afternoon along with his delegation, becoming the first …

‘Chinese spy’ arrest: UK must avoid ‘foghorn diplomacy’ with Beijing , says Dominic Raab
1 year, 3 months ago

‘Chinese spy’ arrest: UK must avoid ‘foghorn diplomacy’ with Beijing , says Dominic Raab

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Former deputy prime minister Dominic Raab has warned the Government …

Australia, China open first high-level dialogue in three years in a sign of slight thaw
1 year, 4 months ago

Australia, China open first high-level dialogue in three years in a sign of slight thaw

Firstpost  

Australia and China opened their first high-level dialogue in three years Thursday in a sign of a slight thaw to relations between countries that have clashed on everything from human rights to COVID-19 origins to trade Australia and China opened their first high-level dialogue in three years Thursday in a sign of a slight thaw to relations between countries that …

Australian trade minister visits China as part of joint efforts to repair ties
1 year, 7 months ago

Australian trade minister visits China as part of joint efforts to repair ties

The Hindu  

Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell visited China on Thursday as part of a joint effort to repair ties scarred by political rifts over the past decade. In a statement issued by his office, Farrell said he would be “advocating strongly for the full resumption of unimpeded Australian exports to China.” China is Australia’s biggest trading partner, with two-way …

Australia says Chinese relations won't improve to past highs
1 year, 8 months ago

Australia says Chinese relations won't improve to past highs

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia is working to stabilize …

China-Australia trade ministers hold 1st meeting since 2019
1 year, 11 months ago

China-Australia trade ministers hold 1st meeting since 2019

The Independent  

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Australian minister in China after long break in relations
2 years ago

Australian minister in China after long break in relations

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia’s foreign minister is in …

'No conflicting interests'
2 years ago

'No conflicting interests'

ABC  

From trade partner to security threat — a look back at 50 years of relations with China. In a recent meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted the importance of today's 50th anniversary of Chinese-Australian ties, pledging to improve relations moving forward. "Mao's conception of society was and is not ours, but he achieved peace internally …

Australia’s foreign minister to meet counterpart in China
2 years ago

Australia’s foreign minister to meet counterpart in China

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Monday she will meet with her counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing this week as Australia and China mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. “China has grown to become one of the world’s largest economies and Australia’s largest trading partner,” Albanese and Wong said in a joint statement. “Trade between Australia and …

How has Australia dealt with China in the past and what does this mean for today?
2 years, 4 months ago

How has Australia dealt with China in the past and what does this mean for today?

ABC  

"China has lived without Australia for thousands of years and could no doubt do so again." As Professor Curran sums up in his book: "Whitlam was determined to break down the Cold War fear and animosity that had gripped the national psychology on China for the preceding two decades". Bob Hawke: From close friends to a brutal massacre In his …

US, UK leaders raise fresh alarms about Chinese espionage
2 years, 6 months ago

US, UK leaders raise fresh alarms about Chinese espionage

Associated Press  

LONDON — The head of the FBI and the leader of Britain’s domestic intelligence agency raised fresh alarms Wednesday about the Chinese government, warning business leaders that Beijing is determined to steal their technology for competitive gain. In a nod to current tensions between China and Taiwan, Wray also said during his speech that any forcible takeover of Taipei by …

China "biggest security anxiety" for Australia, says Australian Deputy PM
2 years, 6 months ago

China "biggest security anxiety" for Australia, says Australian Deputy PM

The Hindu  

China is the "biggest security anxiety" for Australia as it is seeking to shape the world in a way that was not seen before, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said on Thursday. Mr. Marles, on a four-day visit to India, also said that India too has similar security concerns and that Australia stands in solidarity with New Delhi over …

China wants closer security, trade links with the Pacific
2 years, 7 months ago

China wants closer security, trade links with the Pacific

Al Jazeera  

Leaked document shows China will call for more police, security, and telecom cooperation at upcoming summit with region. China will reportedly seek a wide-ranging security and economic deal with 10 Pacific states during Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip to the region this week, according to the Reuters news agency. The draft of that communiqué, which was shared with Reuters, details …

China Congratulates Australia's Albanese in Hint at Thawing Ties
2 years, 7 months ago

China Congratulates Australia's Albanese in Hint at Thawing Ties

News 18  

Chinese premier Li Keqiang has sent a congratulatory note to newly elected Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, Beijing’s state media reported, ending a year-long freeze in diplomatic contact between the two countries. ‘Challenging pathway’ Deputy party leader Richard Marles — who is acting as premier while Albanese is in Tokyo — said Tuesday it will be a “challenging pathway forward” between …

Chinese government hit back at Peter Dutton's claims about Chinese warship spying on Australia
2 years, 7 months ago

Chinese government hit back at Peter Dutton's claims about Chinese warship spying on Australia

Daily Mail  

The Chinese government has provided a stern response to the claims of Australia's Defence Minister Peter Dutton that a hi-tech Chinese spy ship's journey off the coast of Western Australia was an 'act of aggression'. But Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian took issue with Mr Dutton's remarks, saying 'China always abides by international law and international practice'. Chinese Foreign …

‘Aggressive act’: Australia says it tracked Chinese spy ship
2 years, 7 months ago

‘Aggressive act’: Australia says it tracked Chinese spy ship

Al Jazeera  

Australia’s defence minister has condemned China after the discovery of a spy ship operating off the country’s western coast. Peter Dutton told a news conference Australia had been following the ship’s movements in the “last week or so”. “Defence will continue to monitor the ship’s operation in our maritime approaches.” In February, Australia accused China of “dangerous and reckless” behaviour …

Australian minister accuses China of election interference
2 years, 8 months ago

Australian minister accuses China of election interference

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — A senior Australian minister on Wednesday suggested that China had deliberately announced its security pact with the Solomon Islands during an election campaign to undermine her government’s chances of reelection. Labor has described the government’s inability to prevent the deal announced by the Chinese and Solomons governments last week as Australia’s biggest foreign policy failure in the …

Australian party leaders clash on China in election debate
2 years, 8 months ago

Australian party leaders clash on China in election debate

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Australia’s prime minister and his opposition rival clashed heatedly over the country’s tumultuous relationship with China on Wednesday in the first leaders’ debate ahead of elections on May 21. The opposition center-left Labor Party has accused Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s conservative government of Australia’s biggest foreign policy blunder in the Pacific since World War II after China …

Australian spy chiefs meet with Solomon Islands PM Sogavare over draft security deal with China
2 years, 9 months ago

Australian spy chiefs meet with Solomon Islands PM Sogavare over draft security deal with China

ABC  

Two of Australia's top intelligence chiefs have quietly travelled to Solomon Islands to meet Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and raise the government's deep concerns over a security agreement that the Pacific Island nation is on the cusp of signing with China. Key points: The heads of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and the Office of National Intelligence met with Prime …

China holds espionage trial of Chinese Australian journalist
2 years, 9 months ago

China holds espionage trial of Chinese Australian journalist

Associated Press  

BEIJING — Chinese Australian journalist Cheng Lei went on trial in Beijing on Thursday on espionage charges, with diplomats denied permission to attend the proceedings. “Australian citizen Cheng Lei is suspected of committing the crime of illegally providing state secrets to foreign countries, and the case involves state secrets, so the court held the trial in a closed session in …

Australia urges China to denounce Russia over threats to invade Ukraine
2 years, 10 months ago

Australia urges China to denounce Russia over threats to invade Ukraine

India Today  

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday urged China to denounce Russian threats against Ukraine, as the crisis between the US-led allies and Moscow raises the spectre of a broader conflict. “We would expect all nations, all governments around the world, to be denouncing what is taking place with the threats of violence against Ukraine,” Morrison told Parliament. He called …

Intelligence officials identify Russian efforts to interfere in Australian politics
2 years, 11 months ago

Intelligence officials identify Russian efforts to interfere in Australian politics

ABC  

Russia has been identified as one of the main countries attempting to interfere in Australia's democracy, with intelligence agencies monitoring continuing efforts by Moscow to influence politics here. Key points: Intelligence sources have told the ABC the individual was close to the Putin regime They say Russia is increasing posing a threat, along with China, to Australian elections The Russian …

China is trying to drive Australia to its knees: U.S.
3 years, 1 month ago

China is trying to drive Australia to its knees: U.S.

The Hindu  

U.S. President Joe Biden’s top Pacific envoy on Wednesday accused China of trying to “drive Australia to its knees” through a barrage of sanctions that amounted to “economic warfare”. Painting China as increasingly bellicose and determined to impose its will overseas, Campbell said Beijing had engaged in “really dramatic economic warfare — directed against Australia”. To drive Australia to its …

Australia says China’s actions at odds with rhetoric of peace
3 years, 1 month ago

Australia says China’s actions at odds with rhetoric of peace

Al Jazeera  

The defence minister says there is a ‘significant disconnect’ between what China says and what it does. China’s “alarming” actions do not match its rhetoric about promoting peace and prosperity in the region, Australia’s defence minister said on Friday after a Chinese navy ship was tracked sailing through the country’s exclusive economic zone. Defence Minister Peter Dutton listed China’s militarisation …

Australia attacks China's policy of economic punishment at the WTO, accuses it of contravening rules
3 years, 2 months ago

Australia attacks China's policy of economic punishment at the WTO, accuses it of contravening rules

ABC  

Australian diplomats have used a regular international review of China's trade policies to blast Beijing's campaign of economic punishment against Australia, warning its behaviour could drive away trading partners and undermine international confidence in China. Key points: Australia's WTO representative has explicitly accused China of imposing restrictions on goods in political retaliation The new comments may signal Australia is willing …

China’s Xi warns of ‘interference’ as Australia brushes off anger
3 years, 3 months ago

China’s Xi warns of ‘interference’ as Australia brushes off anger

Al Jazeera  

Beijing says Asia-Pacific region must ‘resist external forces’ but Australia PM Morrison points to China’s own nuclear submarine capabilities. Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned against “interference from external forces” in the region, as Australia shrugged off Beijing’s growing anger about its decision to acquire US nuclear-powered submarines, and promised to defend the rule of law in airspace and waters …

Japan throws support behind Australia over opposition to China's economic 'coercion'
3 years, 7 months ago

Japan throws support behind Australia over opposition to China's economic 'coercion'

ABC  

Japan's government has backed Australia against China's campaign of economic coercion, suggesting Beijing's informal trade sanctions on Australian exporters have destabilised the international system. Key points: Japan and Australia agreed to urge a peaceful resolution to tensions over Taiwan They voiced "serious concerns" over reports of human rights abuses in China's far western region of Xinjiang The countries said they …

Chinese diplomat Wang Xining says he has no information on the secretive trial of Australian writer Yang Hengjun
3 years, 7 months ago

Chinese diplomat Wang Xining says he has no information on the secretive trial of Australian writer Yang Hengjun

ABC  

A senior Chinese diplomat in Canberra has admitted he has almost no information about the secretive trial of Australian writer Yang Hengjun. Key points: Mr Wang has conceded the embassy has been given little information about the trial of Australian Yang Hengjun Dr Yang pleaded not guilty to espionage in a closed Beijing court last week The top Chinese diplomat …

China bars envoy from entering court to watch Australian’s trial
3 years, 7 months ago

China bars envoy from entering court to watch Australian’s trial

Hindustan Times  

China firmly rejects Canberra’s attempts to intervene in the trial of detained Australian writer Yang Hengjun, the foreign ministry said on Thursday, hours after the Australian envoy was denied entry inside a Beijing court where the author’s case was being heard. Australian Ambassador to China Graham Fletcher speaks to journalists outside the Beijing Second Intermediate People’s Court on Thursday. Graham …

China tries Chinese Australian writer on espionage charge
3 years, 7 months ago

China tries Chinese Australian writer on espionage charge

Associated Press  

BEIJING — China on Thursday put a Chinese Australian writer on trial for alleged espionage and denied the Australian ambassador in Beijing access to the hearing. Australia will continue to “advocate strongly” for Yang and did not see a link between his case and the overall state of ties with China, Fletcher said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said …

Australian court upholds laws against foreign interference
3 years, 7 months ago

Australian court upholds laws against foreign interference

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — A Chinese-born political adviser on Wednesday lost his challenge in Australia’s highest court against laws banning covert foreign interference in domestic politics. John Shi Sheng Zhang also lost his High Court challenge in a unanimous decision of seven judges to the validity of search warrants executed by police at his Sydney home and offices last year as …

China and espionage: An excercise in world dominance, from India to US
3 years, 11 months ago

China and espionage: An excercise in world dominance, from India to US

Op India  

For years now, China has been stealthily carrying out espionage activities against rival countries and nations that it deems are consequential to its national security and global supremacy. China’s unconventional espionage activities are central to Chinese authoritarian leader Xi Jinping’s plan to dominate the world order. Chinese espionage activities in Afghanistan China’s snooping efforts are not just limited to nations …

Trade Minister Dan Tehan writes to new Chinese counterpart in attempt to end trade dispute
3 years, 11 months ago

Trade Minister Dan Tehan writes to new Chinese counterpart in attempt to end trade dispute

ABC  

The new Trade Minister Dan Tehan has written to his Chinese counterpart in a fresh attempt to re-establish lines of communication and convince Beijing to halt its mounting campaign of trade punishment against Australia. Key points: Several Australian ministers tried to contact their Chinese counterparts but were ignored Mr Tehan says he wrote to China's new Commerce Minister because "the …

WHO investigators have arrived in China for a COVID-19 origin probe. But they're already downplaying expectations
3 years, 11 months ago

WHO investigators have arrived in China for a COVID-19 origin probe. But they're already downplaying expectations

ABC  

There are two countries that have a lot riding on the long-awaited World Health Organisation investigation into the coronavirus origins. It was Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne who first called for an international investigation into the origins and response to COVID-19 back in April last year. And if you're wondering why we haven't heard much about the virus from Chinese …

Australian writer detained in China tells readers ‘pursue democracy, rule of law and freedom’
4 years ago

Australian writer detained in China tells readers ‘pursue democracy, rule of law and freedom’

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Chinese embassy says claims it is blocking Australian imports are 'unfounded' as trade stoush continues
4 years, 1 month ago

Chinese embassy says claims it is blocking Australian imports are 'unfounded' as trade stoush continues

ABC  

China has dismissed Australia's latest concerns over its treatment of Australian exports, saying it has always met its obligations under the two countries' free trade agreement known as ChAFTA. Key points: The Chinese embassy says it has been lowering import tariffs for Australian goods since 2015 Trade Minister Simon Birmingham has again raised concerns about China's attitude to Australian trade …

China-Australia tensions explained in 500 words
4 years, 1 month ago

China-Australia tensions explained in 500 words

Al Jazeera  

A series of defence, trade and foreign policy disputes have led to what is seen as the lowest point in two countries’ ties in decades. Instead, its officials excoriated Australia for the alleged war crimes committed by its forces in Afghanistan while Chinese state media slammed it for treating “China’s goodwill with evil”. “They have repeatedly made wrong statements and …

Why Australia-China relations are downhill since pandemic began
4 years, 1 month ago

Why Australia-China relations are downhill since pandemic began

Op India  

The Coronavirus pandemic has had profound implications for international relations as well as the global economy, apart from causing an irreparable loss of human life. A notification on the government’s grant website stated, “DFAT’s Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Branch is seeking to establish a Quad Tech Network, to support and complement the development of Australia’s first Cyber and Critical …

Australian officials respond angrily to fresh attacks from Chinese diplomat
4 years, 1 month ago

Australian officials respond angrily to fresh attacks from Chinese diplomat

ABC  

Australian officials have responded angrily after a Chinese diplomat in Canberra reeled off a long list of grievances and perceived slights in a fresh attack on the Federal Government. The document says Australia has unfairly blocked Chinese investment, spread "disinformation" about China's efforts to contain coronavirus, falsely accused Beijing of cyber-attacks, and engaged in "incessant wanton interference" in Hong Kong, …

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