If you're not on the Zhenhua database don't be offended

Rather than targeting high-profile critics of Beijing, the database compiled by a Chinese military contractor is all about high technology and those with access to power.

The Overseas Key Individuals Database (OKIDB) was compiled by Chinese military contractor Zhenhua Data. Getty

Angus Grigg and Ronald Mizen

Sep 18, 2020 – 2.54pm

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The emails began pouring in just after 5am, then the phone calls started.

The Australian Financial Review had just revealed a giant Chinese database containing the names of 35,000 Australians and there was only one question people wanted answered.

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Angus GriggNational affairs correspondentAngus 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.

Ronald MizenPolitical correspondentRonald Mizen is the Financial Review’s political correspondent, reporting from the press gallery at Parliament House, Canberra.