Australia Says It Welcomes Chinese Students as Long as They Respect Freedom of Speech

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop attends a press conference in Sydney on July 27, 2017. Julie Bishop said on Oct. 16 that Australia welcomes international students, including those from China, but they have to respect Australia’s openness and freedom of speech. Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Australia’s diplomats are speaking out about the influence in Australia of the Chinese regime on Chinese students, with the foreign minister recently adding her voice to a growing controversy about China’s interference in the life of the nation.

On Oct. 9, the head of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Frances Adamson, warned Australian universities that they need to “remain true” to their values and be “resilient” in the face of foreign interference.