Australian Lawmaker Quits Amid Questions Over China Ties
The Chinese Embassy in Australia hit back a day later, accusing Australian officials of "making irresponsible remarks"
and damaging "mutual trust." It also accused Australian media outlets of repeatedly fabricating news stories about "the so-called Chinese influence and infiltration in Australia." News reports this year about the issue have prompted a growing debate in Australia over how vulnerable its democratic political system is to foreign influence from China and elsewhere.
that He’s made mistakes of judgment,
" Mr. Dastyari, 34, said at a morning news conference.
that I’ve been guided by my Labor values, which tell me that I should leave if my ongoing presence detracts from the pursuit of Labor’s mission,
This year, a recording emerged in which Mr. Dastyari made comments at a Chinese media conference defending China’s
aggressive military posture in the South China Sea despite his own party’s opposition to China’s actions there.
Malcolm Turnbull said that We have recently seen disturbing reports about Chinese influence,
"And it became very clear in the last few weeks that the political heat was only going to be taken out
of the issue with Dastyari out of politics." Mr. Dastyari’s seat won’t be filled until next year; Mr.