Australian news and politics live: Australia has ‘clear- eyed' approach toward China amid foreign interference
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has stated that the Australian government remains 'very clear-eyed' about China in light of recent events involving foreign interference.
This comment comes after a Chinese national and Australian permanent resident was charged in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday. The woman is accused of being tasked by the People's Republic of China to investigate a Buddhist religious group operating in Australia.
While Senator Wong declined to comment specifically on the case and when repeatedly asked if she trusted China following these reports, Ms Wong responded with, 'I can't comment on this specific case that's before the courts. But good try,' she told Nine on Tuesday morning.
She went on to clarify Australia's position regarding China: 'I think we all are very clear eyed about China and its interests. We've made that clear. The question is, how do we manage that? And dialogue and engagement is part of it. It doesn't eliminate differences, but it does enable us to put our views.'
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