China-Australia relations: infiltration allegations against Chinese consul ‘vicious slander’

Chinese consulate general in Sydney says it is ‘committed to promoting friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation’

Suggestions consul Sun Yantao engaged in infiltration activities are ‘totally baseless’, it says

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The Chinese consulate in Sydney responded angrily to a report one of its officials had been named in a federal investigation. Photo: AP

Published: 4:30pm, 16 Sep 2020Updated: 9:40pm, 16 Sep 2020

China’s consulate in Sydney has dismissed allegations of political interference following reports a consular official has been identified in an investigation by Australian federal police.

The statement comes amid a months-long investigation into foreign interference in Australia that has enveloped local politicians, Chinese diplomats and journalists, and deepened the growing rift between Canberra and Beijing.

“The accusations that the consulate general and its official engaged in infiltration activities are totally baseless and nothing but vicious slander,” the consulate said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The Chinese consulate general in Sydney is committed to promoting friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation in various fields between the Chinese side and New South Wales.

“It always observes international law and basic norms of international relations while exercising its duties in Australia.”

The statement was issued after Australia’s national broadcaster, the ABC, reported on Tuesday that Chinese consul Sun Yantao had been named in search warrants related to an investigation into Shaoquett Moselmane – a member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales who was suspended from the Labor party in June – and his policy adviser John Zhisen Zhang.

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