Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian publicly criticises Australia’s security and intelligence agency, ASIO, in response to claims about foreign interference. In comments reported by outlets, the ambassador says ASIO is smearing China and warns that the agency’s actions could harm Australia–China relations. ABC reports that the ambassador frames the dispute around allegations of foreign interference and portrays ASIO’s stance as damaging and potentially unfair.
ASIO issues a rare public response, rejecting the ambassador’s characterisation. The West Australian reports ASIO’s rebuke, indicating the intelligence agency disputes the implication that it is targeting China or acting improperly. The exchanges highlight a diplomatic and public disagreement over the nature and evidence behind foreign interference concerns.
While the reporting focuses on the ambassador’s allegations and ASIO’s response, both accounts align on the core development: a direct public sparring between Chinese diplomacy and Australia’s intelligence agency about foreign interference claims and their impact on bilateral ties.
