Intelligence sources believe the intimidation of Australian reporters that forced them to flee China is retaliation for ASIO raids on Chinese journalists being investigated for foreign interference.

In the latest dramatic escalation of tensions between Beijing and Canberra, several Chinese-state run media revealed four journalists from Chinese outlets had been raided the same day as highly publicised raids on NSW Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane in June over allegations his office was being used by Chinese agents to influence Australian politics.