China’s Ambassador to Australia Sparks Fierce Backlash After Criticising ASIO Over ‘Sensational’ Video on Foreign Interference
- Ambassador Xiao Qian accused ASIO of ‘casting aspersions’ about Chinese foreign interference in Australia
- But it’s revealed he was invited to view the video in advance and declined – despite attending the event where it was played
- ASIO hits back, pointing to multiple cases of foreign interference that resulted in conviction in Australian courts
- The row highlights growing tensions between Australia and China over national security and foreign interference
The Chinese ambassador to Australia has sparked a fierce backlash after criticising the country’s domestic spy agency, ASIO, over a video that highlighted foreign interference.
Ambassador Xiao Qian accused ASIO of ‘casting aspersions’ about Chinese foreign interference in Australia, but it’s been revealed that he was invited to view the video in advance and declined.
The video was played ahead of a speech delivered by ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess, and was a compilation of TV news clips either mentioning ASIO, or covering security events relevant to ASIO.
The ABC understands that Ambassador Xiao was told of the brief mentions of China in the video several days ahead of the event, and was invited to view the video, but did not take up the offer.
He attended the event in person, alongside other diplomats, defence and national security figures and journalists, and sat in the second row during the event.
While media crews were allowed to film the speech and a subsequent question-and-answer session, the video was not allowed to be filmed, and requests for its release have been declined.
The video was largely focused on antisemitism and the Bondi terror attack, while also covering issues like the return of ‘ISIS brides’ to Australia.
But it also touched on issues of Chinese foreign interference — like the arrest of two Chinese nationals in Canberra accused of spying on the Canberra Buddhist association.
Those mentions drew the ire of Ambassador Xiao, who appeared to take particular issue with the mention of matters before the courts.
ASIO has pushed back strongly on the criticism, with a spokeswoman pointing to other examples of interference proved in court.
“Noting the ambassador advocates the application of the rule of law, we point you to: the conviction of a Melbourne man for attempting to interfere in Australia’s political system to advance the interests of the Chinese Communist Party,” she said.
“(and) the conviction of a Sydney man who gave Chinese spies information on Australia’s economic, defence and political priorities.”
Ambassador Xiao also used the opinion piece to make broad swipes at those he argued were pushing an outdated mentality in talking up Australia-China tensions.
“Viewing China-Australia relations through the lens of a Cold War mentality and using national security as a pretext to portray China as a hypothetical enemy is targeting the wrong party, harming the friendship, and running counter to the interests of the Australian nation and its people,” he wrote.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The row between ASIO and Ambassador Xiao highlights growing tensions between Australia and China over national security and foreign interference.
Security analysts say that China’s growing assertiveness in the region, combined with its increasing use of espionage and cyber attacks, has raised concerns about the country’s intentions.
“China’s actions are not just a threat to Australia’s national security, but also to the stability of the region,” said one analyst.
Australia’s decision to ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G network, and its criticism of China’s human rights record, have also contributed to the tensions.
Law enforcement insiders warn that China’s use of foreign interference is a major concern, and that ASIO is working to counter the threat. “We take the threat of foreign interference very seriously, and we are working to protect Australia’s interests,” said one insider.
Industry observers believe that the row is a sign of a deeper problem in Australia-China relations. “The tensions between Australia and China are not just about national security, but also about economic and trade issues,” said one observer.
“Australia needs to be careful not to escalate the situation, but also needs to stand up for its interests.”
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the relationship between Australia and China is becoming increasingly complex and fraught. With tensions running high, it remains to be seen how the two countries will navigate their differences and find a way forward.