China rejects Aus claims of interference
China has never interfered in other countries’ affairs nor does it have any interest in doing so, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Friday, in response to Australia charging the first person under its foreign interference law.
Wang Wenbin, spokesman with the ministry, was speaking to reporters at a regular news briefing in Beijing. Australian police said a Melbourne man who appeared in court on Thursday was the first charged with foreign interference under new legislation introduced in 2018.
The person holds senior positions in a number of Chinese community associations in the state of Victoria, including the Oceania Federation of Chinese Australians, and the Chinese Museum, according to organisation records seen by Reuters, websites and press statements.
Meanwhile, Australia said on Friday it was closely monitoring exports to China amid “deeply troubling” reports that Chinese buyers have been told not to purchase seven categories of Australian goods ranging from coal to wine, further souring diplomatic tensions.
Australian media have reported that Chinese importers had been informally warned by customs officials that commodities including copper ore, barley, sugar, timber and lobster will face increased inspections from Friday. Trade minister Simon Birmingham said Chinese officials had publicly and privately denied any coordinated effort was being taken against Australia, and said he hoped Beijing “is true to its word”.
HK leader, China discuss Covid-19, economic relief
HONG KONG: Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Friday she had discussed coronavirus controls and economic relief measures with mainland Chinese officials during her three-day trip to Beijing and that the central government has welcomed her proposals. Speaking to reporters in Beijing, Lam said the Chinese government will support Hong Kong’s competitiveness, as well as tech innovation in the Asian financial hub. Lam said she could not disclose substantial details of her meetings. Hong Kong’s economy has been in a downturn since mid-2019 due to the double blow of Covid-19 and anti-government protests.
HK police launch national security crime hotline
HONG KONG: Hong Kong police unveiled a dedicated hotline on Thursday for residents to report national security threats, sparking criticism that the measure will deepen swirling distrust in the already polarised city.
China imposed a sweeping new national security law in June after last year’s huge and often violent pro-democracy protests in the financial hub.
Despite assurances that the law would only target a “tiny minority”, its wording has outlawed a host of peaceful political views and helped to stamp out mass dissent in the financial hub.The hotline allows residents to send “national security intelligence” via text message, email and the Chinese messaging app WeChat. Hong Kong residents can also use the line to send pictures, audio and video files, police said in a Thursday Facebook post.