China dismisses Australian warning of arbitrary detention

Chinese Embassy on Wednesday dismissed Australia’s warning to travelers of arbitrary detention in China as “ridiculous” and “disinformation” in latest diplomatic spat to mar a deteriorating relationship.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Tre said on Tuesday in an updated travel visory for China that authorities have detained foreigners because y’re “endangering national security,” ding that Australians may also be at risk.

China's embassy in Australia replied in a statement: “This is completely ridiculous and disinformation.”

“Foreigners in China, including Australians, as long as y abide by Chinese laws, have need to worry at all,” statement said.

It is t clear what prompted warning, which comes as relations between free tre partners have plummeted over Australia’s calls for an independent investigation into coronavirus pandemic, which was detected in China late last year.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday appeared to distance himself from issue, saying travel vice was responsibility of bureaucrats.

“From time to time, travel visories are changed and on this occasion, officials have upgred that vice,” Morrison told reporters.

embassy said criminals are dealt with according to Chinese law, mentioning drug smuggling and espion — crimes for which Australians are currently in Chinese detention.

Australia has criticized China for charging Chinese-Australian spy velist Yang Hengjun with espion in March.

Australian Karm Gilespie was sentenced to death in China last month, seven years after he was arrested and charged with attempting to board an international flight with more than 7.5 kilograms (16.5 pounds) of methamphetamine. Some observers suspect that such a severe sentence so long after crime was related to bilateral rift.

Morrison will soon furr antagonize China when he reveals his government’s plans to offer safe haven to Hong Kong residents threatened by Beijing’s move to impose a tough national security law on semi-automous Chinese territory.

“We continue to be concerned about issues in Hong Kong,” he said.

Asked if China and Hong Kong were safe destinations for Australians, Morrison’s deputy in ruling conservative Liberal Party, Josh Frydenberg, told Australian Brocasting Corp.: “It is a situation that is fluid.”

“Australians have to be very cautious. But if y go about ir ways in a safe manner, n hopefully y have thing to fear,” said Frydenberg, government’s treasurer.

“We want Australian businesses to thrive and prosper, wher it’s Hong Kong, China or elsewhere. y have to be very conscious though of some of risks, and we undertake objective assessment of those risks and that is reflected in our travel vice ... which has been upgred because we have been concerned about arbitrary arrests and detention,” he ded.

new visory is unlikely to affect travel plans since Australia has alrey banned its citizens from leaving country during pandemic. Australians in China who wish to come home were vised to do so as soon as possible.