The Australian Security Intelligence Organization said it was investigating allegations that China tried to spy in its parliament.

The statement of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) was made yesterday, the same day after the country's television broadcast information about Chinese espionage.

The TV show "60 Minutes" said Bo "Nick" Zhao, a Chinese spy suspect, received an offer of about $ 679,000 to become Beijing's "inner hand" in the federal parliament. Australia.

The 60 Minutes program and the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Zhao's associates and Western security sources as saying he had received an offer from a businessman in Melbourne about a year ago. Authorities found Zhao dead in a motel in Melbourne in March.

"The information on Nine's 60 Minutes includes the allegations that ASIO is seriously considering. Australians can rest assured that ASIO was aware of these issues before and was positive. investigate them, "ASIO General Director Mike Burgess issued a statement on November 24.

"The foreign intelligence activities of hostile forces constantly pose a threat to our country and security. ASIO will continue to confront and combat foreign interference and espionage. in Australia, "said the General Director of ASIO, and pledged to protect democracy and national sovereignty.

Chinese Embassy officials in Canberra are currently not available for comment.

The accusations of China installing people in Australia came a day after spy defected Wang "William" Liqiang, providing Canberra with information about Beijing's activities in Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Australia and China relations have become increasingly serious in recent years, since Canberra accused Beijing of trying to interfere in internal affairs. ASIO earlier this year warned that the threat of foreign intervention is "unprecedented" and the number of foreign spies in Australia is now higher than during the Cold War.