Australia to pass foreign interference laws with an eye on China
China has denied allegations of meddling in Australian affairs
Australia is expected to pass legislation on Wednesday aimed at preventing interference by foreign governments, a move likely to further stoke tensions with major trading partner China.
Mirroring similar rules in the United States, Australia will require lobbyists for foreign countries to register, and makes them liable for criminal prosecution if they are deemed to be meddling in domestic affairs.
“This is all about security and sunlight and sovereignty,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters in Canberra.
“We want to ensure that people who influence and make decisions about our democracy are Australians.”
Turnbull last year referred to “disturbing reports about Chinese influence” as justification for the measures.
China has denied allegations of meddling in Australian affairs, but concern over Chinese political donations and relationships between lawmakers and Chinese businesses has intensified in Australia.