“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.”

Sun, who is responsible for managing relations with the Chinese diaspora and pro-Beijing organisations, was one of several Chinese nationals to be identified, the report said.

Authorities are investigating whether the Sydney consulate conspired with Zhang to “infiltrate the Labor party and influence voters”, it said.

The homes and offices of Moselmane and Zhang were raided by police in June as part of the investigation, which is being run jointly by federal police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio).

While Australian officials have defended the investigation, Beijing has responded with outrage, which has put pressure on journalists from the two countries working in each other’s territory.

Warrants cited in the ABC report included Chinese journalists from state media, who were questioned by the Asio on the day of the June raid on Moselman and Zhang.

Beijing confirmed on Monday that journalists Bill Birtles and Michael Smith had been questioned as a part of “normal law enforcement activities”.

Australia eyes trade with India to cut China reliance amid mounting tensions

Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said last week that the raid on Chinese journalists was “appropriate” and was done “purely in relation to the evidence”.

Relations between China and Australia have plummeted this year. In April, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an investigation into Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus, drawing the ire of Beijing. China has since imposed restrictions on imports of Australian agricultural products, including beef and wine.