We are only now becoming aware that Beijing’s interference in our political system goes well beyond the activities of wealthy, Party-linked donors. In recent years, the Chinese Communist Party, through its global United Front network, has been actively encouraging trusted members of Chinese communities in countries like Australia to become directly involved in running for political office, a policy known as huaren canzheng.
Speech to Confronting and Countering the Threats from Espionage, Foreign Interference and Terrorism, 16th National Security Annual Summit, Canberra, 8 May 2019