Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said he will “stand up” for Australia, brushing aside Chinese criticism of new foreign interference laws as fears rise of overseas meddling in domestic institutions. Canberra has announced the wide-ranging reforms to espionage and foreign interference legislation
Sydney (AFP) – Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said he will “stand up” for Australia, brushing aside Chinese criticism of new foreign interference laws as fears rise of overseas meddling in domestic institutions.
Canberra has announced the wide-ranging reforms to espionage and foreign interference legislation, with Attorney General George Brandis saying such as meddling was an “extremely serious problem”.
Turnbull himself has singled out China as a focus of concern, citing “disturbing reports” about Beijing’s influence.
The proposed reforms drew a furious response from China, which also attacked local media stories about infiltration as fabricated and reflecting hysteria and paranoia.
Beijing on Friday also lodged an official protest with Canberra, saying the government should “immediately stop making wrong remarks” that would undermine trust and cooperation between the two countries.
