SYDNEY – A proposed Australian law that would give the federal government powers to cancel any agreements local authorities and public institutions make or have made with foreign governments is not aimed at China, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday.
The new legislation comes as Canberra seeks to curtail Beijing’s influence in Australia amid concerns over issues including trade and security, but Morrison denied the new law was designed with China specifically in mind.
“These laws are about Australia’s national sovereign interests,” Morrison said.
Under the new law, the country’s foreign minister would be able to cancel any agreements made by state and territory governments, local councils or public universities with foreign administrations if they “adversely affect Australia’s foreign relations” or are “inconsistent with Australian foreign policy.” (Reuters)
