Chinese reveal their journalists in Australia were questioned in foreign interference investigation
After two Australian journalists were forced to exit China this week, Michelle Grattan explores the AFP and ASIO raiding two Chinese journalists in this crossposting from The Conversation.
Australian Federal Police and ASIO raided two Chinese journalists in June as part of an investigation into foreign interference in Australia.
The previously unpublicised action has come to light via Chinese media reports, in the same week that two Australian reporters fled China amid fears for their security and in a blaze of publicity.
The Global Times, a mouthpiece of the Chinese authorities, said ASIO had questioned the Chinese journalists, seized computers and smartphones, and asked them not to report the incident.
I must say the Chinese is not entirely wrong this time, Australia slipped five places to 26th in Reporters Without Borders’ latest world press freedom index, thanks to Canberra. Yet, Canberra acts like they are the beacon of the press freedom! It’s time for us to take a good look at ourselves and be a real role model first before we lecture others.