Di Sanh Duong: Prominent Chinese community leader accused of making efforts to ‘cultivate’ Alan Tudge

A long-term Liberal Party member was used by China’s foreign intelligence agency to attempt to cultivate a government minister, federal prosecutors allege.

A prominent Chinese community leader attempted to “cultivate” a government minister and spread Chinese Communist Party influence in Australian politics, federal prosecutors allege.

Di Sanh Duong, affectionately known as “Sunny”, appeared in the Victorian County Court on Thursday for the first day of his trial on alleged foreign interference.

He has pleaded not guilty to a charge of intentionally engaging in conduct with the intention of preparing for, or planning, foreign interference between March and June 2020.

Outlining the case, crown prosecutor Patrick Doyle SC said Mr Duong was allegedly recruited as an “agent” for the United Front – a global network working to advance the interests of the Chinese Communist Party.

“Before you start thinking about James Bond or spy novels, this is not about espionage,” he said.

“It’s about how the government of China seeks to interfere in the governance of other countries, in particular Australia.”

Mr Duong has pleaded not guilty of preparing for foreign influence. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

He told the court the Vietnamese-born businessman became a citizen in 1983 and has been a long-term member of the Victorian Liberal Party and influential Chinese community organiser.

Mr Doyle said the prosecution will allege he was identified as an “ideal candidate” to serve the interests of the Chinese Communist Party in Australia and enlisted by the United Front – a “central institution” within the Chinese political establishment.

It is alleged a $37,400 donation made to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in 2020 was a preparatory act to exert influence on former Liberal minister Alan Tudge.

Mr Doyle said, on the face of it, the donation was a “laudable” effort to raise awareness of the loyalty of Chinese Australians in the face of Covid-19.

The court was told Mr Duong allegedly had meetings with China’s foreign intelligence agency while on frequent business trips. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

But behind the facade, it was allegedly part of a broader strategy to curry influence in Australian politics and advance the interests of the CPP, the court heard.

“To be clear, there is nothing illegal about being associated with the Chinese Communist Party including the United Front,” he said.

“You’re entitled to lobby government but the disclosure that you are acting on someone’s behalf is critical.”

Mr Doyle told the court evidence will be presented of Mr Duong’s alleged links with intelligence agents and telephone intercepts indicating his commitment to the political goals of the CCP.

The jury heard multiple witnesses will be called over the likely month-long trial, including intelligence experts and former minister Alan Tudge.

At the start of the trial, jurors were warned some parts of what they will hear is restricted under the National Security Act and they may be prosecuted if they disclose these after the trial.

To assist with tracking the confidential information, each has been provided with a secure laptop from the Attorney-General’s office.

Mr Duong’s barrister, Peter Chadwick KC, is expected to deliver his opening remarks outlining the issues the defence will take with the prosecution’s case on Friday.

The trial, before Judge Richard Maidment KC, continues.