China urges Australia to abandon Cold War mentality

A book that alleges widespread Chinese interference in Australia will be released next month after it was acquired by a new publisher, according to reports.

Silent Invasion: China’s Influence in Australia, was written by Clive Hamilton, a prominent professor of public ethics at Charles Sturt University in Canberra, Australia.

Hamilton said three publishers had declined to take on his book for fear of China retaliation. However, Hardie Grant Books, a leading Australian independent book publisher, has reportedly acquired the rights and plans to publish the book in Australia in March.

In response, China’s foreign ministry said that it has made its position clear on the irresponsible remarks in relation to China by certain people in Australia time and again.

Australia should abandon its Cold War mentality and ideological bias, stop making irresponsible remarks, and work with China to promote the sound and steady development of China-Australia relations on the basis of mutual trust, equality, and mutual benefit, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said at the regular press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

China has repeatedly rejected assertions that it has attempted to influence and infiltrate Australia. In December last year, the Chinese Embassy in Australia accused the country of typical anti-China hysteria and paranoia.

“China has no intention to interfere in Australia’s internal affairs or exert influence on its political process through political donations,” the statement said. “We urge the Australian side to look at China and China-Australia relations in an objective, fair and rational manner.”