Latest news with #Australian values

The Australian

Complain now to China on alleged spy

As ASIO director-general Mike Burgess, whose organisation made a significant contribution to the matter, said: 'Foreign interference of the kind alleged is an appalling assault on Australian values, freedoms and sovereignty'. Beijing, which bans Guan Yin Citta, reportedly regards it as an 'evil cult' that Chinese security services have tried to eradicate. Questioned on Tuesday morning, Foreign Minister Penny Wong refused to comment because the case was before the courts. 'I trust China to do what China thinks is in its interest and I trust Australia to do what's in our interest,' she told the Nine Network's Today show. ''I think we all are very clear-eyed about China and its interests.' It is also clear that without disclosing details that compromise the case, Senator Wong needs to complain to Beijing about the woman's alleged activities, and reassure Australians that the government has done so. It should have done so by now. As Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt says, foreign interference undermines democracy and social cohesion, and is carried out to support the intelligence objectives of a foreign principal or to prejudice national security. Read related topics: China Ties