With relations between China and Australia nearing “rock bottom”, Foreign Minister Marise Payne has urged Aussies not to travel.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne has warned of arbitrary detention in China. Picture: Gary Ramage/NCA NewsWireRichard McGregor from the Lowy Institute said the removal of Smith and Birtles marked “rock bottom” in the relationship between Australia and China.
“Their effective expulsion means the Australian media now had no accredited journalists in China, for the first time since 1973, and it is hard to see when any might be allowed back in,” he said. “Other countries grappling with China ought to take note. If their bilateral relationship deteriorates, then their own nationals will be in the firing line as well.”
The Australian Financial Review's journalist Michael Smith and the ABC’s journalist Bill Birtles flew out of Shanghai on Monday night.the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade updated the travel advisory for Hong Kong, that under the new national security legislation, Australians could be deported or face possible transfer to mainland China for prosecution under mainland law.“You may be at increased risk of detention on vaguely defined national security grounds. You could break the law without intending to.The travel advice overseas has been at a level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ since mid-March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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