Australian accusation of meddling upsets China

China summoned the Australian ambassador for an “important dialogue” as ties between the two nations become strained over Beijing’s alleged influence in Australia.

It came days after Australia proposed new laws on foreign meddling, with Malcolm Turnbull, the prime minister, citing “disturbing reports of Chinese influence”.

Mr Turnbull said that foreign powers were making “unprecedented and increasingly sophisticated attempts to influence the political process” in Australia and the world.