Alleged plot to infiltrate Australian Government

The death of a 32-year-old man, and his links to an alleged plot by China to infiltrate parliament, is being investigated by ASIO.

A federal politician says the death of a 32-year-old man and his potential links to an alleged plot to infiltrate Australia’s parliament with a foreign spy needs to be fully investigated.

Nine’s 60 Minutes aired extraordinary claims last night that Melbourne luxury car dealer Nick Zhao, 32, was cultivated by the Chinese government to run as a Liberal Party candidate.

Citing sources with knowledge of the alleged plot, the program revealed that Mr Zhao reported the plot to Australia’s spy agency ASIO.

He was then reportedly found dead in a Melbourne hotel room in March and investigators have been unable to conclude how he died.

Following the @60Mins @theage & @smh special investigation, Director-General of Security Mike Burgess has issued a statement that ASIO is actively investigating the allegations raised in tonight’s report. Watch the full story: https://t.co/H7yPB2tyyI #60Mins https://t.co/EGePEgJa4r

— 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) November 24, 2019

Federal Liberal backbencher Andrew Hastie says he was briefed on Mr Zhao’s death as chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Intelligence and Security.

“It was surreal, it was like something out of a spy novel happening in Melbourne with impunity,” Mr Hastie told the program.

Australians should be “very concerned” about the alleged plot, he said, adding: “This isn’t just cash in a bag, given for favours, this is a state-sponsored attempt to infiltrate our parliament.”

Federal Liberal backbencher Andrew Hastie. Picture Gary Ramage

“Using an Australian citizen and basically run them as an agent of foreign influence in our democratic system. So this is really significant and Australians should be very, very concerned about this.”

Mr Hastie has called for a full investigation into Mr Zhao’s death.

“Everyone should be concerned about the way that Nick Zhao died and I think we need a full investigation where we turn over every stone,” he said.

“We explore every nook and cranny, we cast as much light into the shadows and make sure that we have a full comprehensive understanding of how he died and why he died.”

ASIO’s Director-General of Security Mike Burgess said the agency was taking the matter “seriously”.

“Australians can be reassured that ASIO was previously aware of matters that have been reported today, and has been actively investigating them,” he said in a statement.

“Given that the matter in question is subject to a coronial inquiry, and as not to prejudice our investigations, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

“Hostile foreign intelligence activity continues to pose a real threat to our nation and its security,” Mr Burgess said.

Wang "William" Liqiang claims to have been involved in espionage operations for China in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia. Picture: 60 Minutes

CHINESE ‘SPY’ DEFECTS TO AUSTRALIA

The revelation of the alleged plot comes after 60 Minutes aired the claims of self-proclaimed Chinese spy Wang “William” Liqiang.

Nine newspapers had reported that Mr Wang has provided ASIO with details of how China’s senior military intelligence officers fund and conduct political interference operations in Australia, as well as in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The 27-year-old is currently hiding out in Sydney with his wife and two-year-old son, saying he lives in constant fear of being watched, followed or attacked.

He claimed his loyalty to the Chinese government faltered after he received a fake South Korean passport and was made to travel to Taiwan to interfere in the upcoming election there.

“This time I was requested to change my name and whole identity to go to Taiwan and be a spy there,” Mr Wang told 60 Minutes.

“This is the main reason why I came to Australia to seek asylum. As Taiwan’s ability of anti-infiltration is very strong, once I was found out, then my safety would be at stake. What would my family, my young son do? Who could protect me?”

Wang "William" Liqiang is seeking protection in Australia, saying he has details of China’s spy efforts here. Picture: 60 Minutes

He said he will help the Australian government understand China’s intelligence system.

Mr Hastie praised Mr Wang for speaking out. “I think it takes huge reserves of courage to step out into the public square as a former Chinese spy, and reveal to the Australian public what you’ve been up to,” he told the program.

“I’m of the view that anyone who’s willing to assist us in defending our sovereignty, deserves our protection.”

Chinese police say Mr Wang is a convicted fraudster.

Last week, retired ASIO chief Duncan Lewis accused the Chinese government of using “insidious” foreign interference operations to “take over” Australia’s political system.

Mr Lewis claimed Chinese authorities were trying to “place themselves in a position of advantage” by in political, social, business and media circles, The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Friday, citing the interview. “Espionage and foreign interference is insidious. Its effects might not present for decades and by that time it’s too late,” he said.

“You wake up one day and find decisions made in our country that are not in the interests of our country.”