Chinese embassy confronts Australian cyber ambassador who accused Beijing of cyber attacks
An official from the Chinese embassy (pictured) confronted an Australian official over a cyber attack allegation. (ABC News: Dylan Anderson)
A Chinese embassy official has confronted Australia's new cyber ambassador after he told a gathering of diplomats in Canberra that Beijing was responsible for a series of devastating online attacks against this country.
Details of the latest diplomatic spat with Australia's largest trading partner have emerged a fortnight after China's ambassador lashed out at the Albanese government's public comments welcoming Taiwan's recent presidential elections.
The ABC can now reveal that during a November briefing for foreign embassies to outline the Albanese government's new Cyber Security Strategy, senior official Brendan Dowling was quizzed by a European diplomat about which nations were considered threats to Australia.
Mr Dowling, who was last year appointed ambassador for cyber affairs and critical technology, responded by noting that Australia had over recent years publicly attributed several online attacks to China, as well as Russia, Iran and North Korea.
Ambassador for cyber affairs and critical technology Brendan Dowling. (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
While responding to the question, Mr Dowling also highlighted how Australia and its Five Eyes partners last year identified China's state sponsored hacking group Volt Typhoon as the culprit behind global cyber-attacks.
Attendees at the gathering have confirmed one of the two Chinese representatives in the room then rose to his feet to criticise Mr Dowling's comments and to insist Beijing wanted to "work constructively with other nations" on cyber matters.
"China disputes the Australian government's assessment, China is a positive force for good across the world," the unnamed Chinese official said, before returning to his seat.
Mr Dowling then responded to the Chinese representative telling the gathering that Australia has consistently "called on all states to act responsibly in cyber space".
Another foreign ambassador who attended the briefing told the ABC that a diplomat from an African nation indicated his support to the Chinese representative for making the interjection.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson told the ABC it continues to "work with international partners in support of a safe and secure cyberspace, including through bilateral channels and existing multilateral forums and processes".
"Australia reiterates the importance of states acting in accordance with international law and the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace in engagements with foreign governments," the spokesperson said.
"The 2023-30 Australian Cyber Security Strategy explains how the government will protect Australia's critical infrastructure, and ensure our citizens and businesses are better protected from cyber threats.
"It also provides a framework for Australia's global advocacy work, led by our Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology."
In its most recent annual assessment, the Australian Signals Directorate also identified state-backed cyber hackers as continuing to threaten major companies and critical infrastructure, signalling China out as the main culprit.
The Chinese Embassy did not respond when approached by the ABC for comment.
DFAT defends recent public statements on Taiwan following China criticism
Two weeks after China's ambassador sharply criticised Australia for congratulating Taiwan on its latest presidential elections, DFAT has defended the move as "consistent with longstanding practice and our one-China policy".
During a press briefing last month, Ambassador Xiao Qian rebuked the Albanese government for its public comments, warning Australia there was "no room at all" for compromise over Taiwan.
Ambassador Xiao Qian sharply criticised the government in a recent speech. (ABC News: Mark Moore)
In a statement, DFAT said its senior officials "regularly meet with representatives from the Chinese Embassy, including the Chinese Ambassador".
"Australia congratulating Dr Lai Ching-te and the Taiwanese people following their election is consistent with longstanding practice and our one-China policy," the DFAT spokesman added.
"We continue to value our positive and productive unofficial relationship with Taiwan, which is underpinned by strong economic, cultural and people-to-people ties."