Controversial China 'influence' book to be published

IANS  |  Canberra 

A controversial book that details allegations of Chinese interference in Australian society will be released after finding a new publisher, the confirmed on Tuesday.

Australian said three publishers had declined to take on his book due to fears of legal "retaliation" from

Last year one publisher, Allen & Unwin, withdrew plans to release it.

Publisher Grant said it would release the book, now titled "Silent Invasion: China's Influence in Australia", after it had been rewritten to "minimise the legal risk".

Hamilton told the that he had earlier submitted the book to Australian lawmakers in a bid to have it published under parliamentary privilege.

Such a move would give it legal protection.

This was being seriously considered by a parliamentary committee. However, Grant confirmed the book would be published in March.

Hamilton said the book contained allegations about covert efforts to influence Australian and society.

He did not elaborate on those allegations, or what had been rewritten recently.

"I'm very grateful that Grant has the courage to stand up and say, 'we're not going to be bullied out of publishing this book', unlike other publishers," he told the

Last year, alluded to "disturbing reports about Chinese influence" in announcing new laws aimed at countering foreign interference in Australian

He stressed that the laws were not specifically aimed at

has repeatedly rejected assertions that it has attempted to influence Australian society, most prominently in and education.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Tue, February 06 2018. 11:22 IST