Australia to Pass Foreign Interference Bill Amid Tensions With China

Australia to Pass Foreign Interference Bill Amid Tensions With China
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks to the media during a news conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, March 27, 2018. AAP/Lukas Coch/via Reuters
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SYDNEY—Australia is expected to pass new legislation on June 27 aimed at preventing interference by foreign governments or agents, a move likely to further stoke tensions with major trading partner China.
Mirroring similar laws in the United States, Australia’s Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme requires lobbyists working for foreign countries to register as foreign agents, who could also face criminal prosecution if they are deemed to be meddling in Canberra’s affairs.