Chinese Consulate an ‘Extreme Espionage Threat’ to Australian Naval Shipbuilding Hub, Senator Warns

Chinese Consulate an ‘Extreme Espionage Threat’ to Australian Naval Shipbuilding Hub, Senator Warns
A Royal Australian Navy diesel and electric-powered Collins Class submarine sits in Sydney Harbour on Oct. 12, 2016. Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images
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Beijing’s large diplomatic presence in Adelaide may be a serious “espionage threat” to South Australia’s prominent defence industry, according to Senator Rex Patrick.

The senator from South Australia said the Defence Department acknowledged that foreign espionage posed an “extreme threat,” particularly in connection to upcoming naval projects being developed in Adelaide.