Australian Ambassador to China Esteur. (photo by Sydney Morning Herald)
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the aftermath of Tan Bao`s "foreign intervention" has continued, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry has summoned Australia`s ambassador to China, (Jan Adams). (Jan Adams).
The news that the Chinese summoned the Australian ambassador to China was first reported by the Australian newspaper and confirmed by Fafas Media.
The move may suggest a diplomatic conflict between China and Australia, although it is not the first time that the Australian ambassador to China, who was summoned in 2013 over the South China Sea issue, was summoned by the Chinese side.
Tan Bao, the prime minister, has insisted that the new anti-foreign intervention bill is not directed at any country. He described media coverage of the so-called "China intervention" as "troubling" and disgruntled. Mr. Tan also denied China`s criticism, saying he was defending Australia`s sovereignty.
Tam Po said Australia attaches great importance to China`s "interference" in Australian media, university and political coverage. He said last week: "the founding of the new China declared: the Chinese people stand up." Now, every day, the people of Australia stand up to uphold sovereignty in our country, in Parliament and in our laws. "
A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it was "shocked" by some of Australia`s language. He said: "this remark unprincipled caters to the irresponsible reports of some Australian media, is full of prejudice against China, it is purely a catch-and-play, nothing comes out of it, and it has poisoned the atmosphere of Sino-Australian relations. It has undermined the foundation of mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries. "
People`s Daily also described Australian media`s coverage of China`s influence as "racist", "hysterical" and "paranoid", damaging Australia`s image as a multicultural country.
Mr Tan and other senior Unionparty lawmakers have criticised former Labour Senator Dunson (Sam Dastyari) for "double espionage." Dunson, who has been caught up in political contributions, has resigned as a senator.
According to an analysis, this will affect this Saturday`s Sydney Nylon (Bennelong) area by-election. About half of those polled in the Fafas Media ReachTEL poll said the political contributions to Dunson would affect their vote.
