China has capability and intent to weaponise database

Andrew Tillett and Angus Grigg

Sep 14, 2020 – 6.17pm

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The compiling of a giant global database by a Chinese military contractor should serve as a wake-up call for all Australians, according to a member of parliament's powerful intelligence committee, as Beijing has shown the "intent and capability" to weaponise the information.

As a member of the British parliament warned of China exporting its surveillance state to the world, Australian politicians reacted with a mix of concern and alarm after the database was revealed by The Australian Financial Review on Monday.

Andrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery.

Angus Grigg is an investigative reporter based in Sydney. He has worked as a foreign correpondent in China and Indonesia, and has won two Walkley Awards.