- China slams Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s comments on foreign influence
- Chinese spokesman Geng Shuang said Mr Turnbull’s views were ‘poisonous’
- The Prime Minister had said foreign influence was affecting politics in Australia
China has slammed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s comments on foreign influence in Australia, saying they ‘poison’ the relationship between the two countries.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the comments were prejudiced against China, according to Nine News.
‘We are astounded by the relevant remarks of the Australian leader. Such remarks simply cater to the irresponsible reports by some Australian media that are without principle and full of bias against China,’ he said.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Malcolm Turnbull’s comments were prejudiced against China
Mr Turnbull had previously said foreign influence was ‘making unprecedented and increasingly sophisticated attempts to influence the political process
Mr Turnbull had previously said foreign influence was ‘making unprecedented and increasingly sophisticated attempts to influence the political process, both here and abroad’.
Mr Turnbull’s comments were made in light of Senator Sam Dastyari being banished to the opposition backbenches after reports emerged he warned a Chinese businessman his phone might be tapped.
Mr Dastyari also made comments in support of China in the South China Sea conflict – contradicting his party’s own views.
Mr Geng said the Prime Minister’s comments ‘poisons’ the relationship between Australia and China.
‘We express strong dissatisfaction with that and have made a serious complaint with the Australian side,’ he said.
‘It poisons the atmosphere of the China-Australia relationship and undermines the foundation of mutual trust and bilateral cooperation.’
Mr Turnbull’s comments were made in light of Senator Sam Dastyari being banished to the opposition backbenches
Foreign donations to Australian political parties are to be banned, with new laws cracking down on classified information leaks and criminalising the support of foreign spy agencies.
The Chinese Embassy in Australia issued a statement on Wednesday accusing Australian media of fabricating stories about the Chinese government, as well as insulting the Chinese community.
‘China has no intention to interfere in Australia’s internal affairs or exert influence on its political process through political donations,’ the statement read.