Australia has passed sweeping counter-intelligence laws that broaden the offenses of espionage and foreign influence. Though Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said the laws don’t target any one country, he has previously talked about “disturbing reports about Chinese influence”. By Turnbull’s own admission, the new laws have spurred tensions […]
Huawei Australia has publicly responded to claims the Chinese telecommunications giant is a national security threat. Huawei is currently bidding to be provide parts of Australia’s new 5G network but there have been reports of reservations from intelligence officials. Chinese law requires organisations to cooperate with “national intelligence work” when […]
China’s Huawei is the largest corporate sponsor of international trips for Australian politicians. Over the last eight years it paid for 12 international trips, twice as many as the next highest corporate sponsor. The Chinese government also paid for accommodation for seven politicians. Huawei is currently trying to provide equipment […]
China has taken over a number of radio frequencies that previously carried Australian broadcasts into the Pacific region. Australia broadcast to Pacific audiences, many of whom can’t receive FM radio or internet, for 88 years ending in 2016. Some considered stopping the broadcasts a “foreign-policy mishap.” Taking over the airwaves […]
A former CIA China expert proposed cutting New Zealand out of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing arrangement with the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. The ex-analyst said the action should be taken in response to New Zealand’s prime ministers’ denials of any influence attempts by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). […]
A secret report commissioned by Australia’s prime minister found attempts by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to influence all levels of government. The report found the CCP’s interference attempts have been going on for a decade, and described China as the country that is most concerning to Australia. The inquiry […]
The director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) warned that foreign interference is happening on an “unprecedented scale.” Duncan Lewis told a Senate hearing there were now more foreign agents than during the Cold War. There has been growing concern over China’s influence and interference in Australia, which has […]
An Australian billionaire and political donor allegedly funded a $US200,000 bribe to a former president of the UN General Assembly, according to an Australian MP. The MP said he “confirmed” the identity of the alleged co-conspirator from US authorities. $US1.3 million in bribes were prepared for the UN president in […]
The education department of New South Wales is “reviewing” its relationship with the Confucius Institute and Confucius Classrooms. These are run out of China’s education ministry, and Beijing openly describes them as a vehicle for soft power and propaganda. Experts are also concerned at how closely connected the Confucius programs […]
A US think tank appears to have dropped a speaker, who works for the Chinese Communist Party’s influence arm, from an event talking about China’s “exaggerated” influence. The Wilson Center knew the work done by Huiyao Wang but did not disclose the information when promoting the event. The change to […]
Hillary Clinton warned Australia and New Zealand to take China’s interference attempts “seriously.” Clinton also praised a New Zealand academic, Anne-Marie Brady, who has pioneered work on the Chinese Communist Party’s secretive arm that tries to influence policies overseas. Brady was targeted in a number of break-ins and threats at […]
