A Chinese state-run newspaper accused Australia of spying on China and stealing its technology on Thursday, weeks after Beijing rejected allegations of interference in Australian politics.
An employee of China's national security department told the Global Times that Australian intelligence agents "in disguise" collect information from Chinese people overseas or "even encourage them to subvert China".
Agents also closely monitor Chinese people and the embassy in Australia to foil "Chinese spy threats", according to the article published on the newspaper's front page.
"In global covert struggles, Australia had never played the role of victim," the unidentified staffer was quoted as saying.
"However, they are wantonly working on intelligence about China and groundlessly accusing China of spying on them. The logic is ridiculous."
The Australian government did not immediately respond to the allegations.
The article follows an Australian media report this month that Australia's intelligence agencies had major concerns China was interfering in Australian institutions and using political donations to gain access.
Read the full story at SpaceDaily