Labelled a ‘Traitor’ by the CCP: Australian MP Takes Aim at Beijing’s Overseas Infiltration

Australian MP Accused of Betrayal by Chinese Government for Criticizing Beijing’s Overseas Influence Operations

March 11, 2024 TruthUSA

Limbrick expressed his outrage at the use of Australian taxpayer money to persecute a spiritual group in China.

Victorian MP David Limbrick strongly criticized a program by Australia’s national broadcaster for being exploited by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to oppress a spiritual group in China.

These comments were made in support of a motion introduced by MP Adem Somyurek, which included an invitation for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) to brief state MPs on the sophisticated tactics used by foreign agents to recruit Australian members of Parliament.

“State MPs do not have access to confidential briefings on national security. We do not receive classified information,” stated Mr. Somyurek.

“While I understand the need to protect ongoing investigations, I believe that not revealing the former MP involved risks undermining trust in Parliament,” Mr. Somyurek emphasized, highlighting the importance of maintaining public trust in the country’s institutions.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation Disregards Appeals

In response, Mr. Limbrick shared a story to illustrate the need for government officials at all levels to understand the tactics used by authoritarian regimes to subvert local authorities.

“In early 2020, I received a letter from the Falun Gong group, a persecuted minority in China, many of whom have sought refuge in Australia. They are individuals who promote tolerance and compassion,” he informed the Victorian Parliament on March 6.

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Mr. Limbrick stated that the letter was a plea to ABC not to air a documentary on Falun Gong due to fears that it would exacerbate the persecution of their loved ones in China and spread misinformation about the practice.

“The notion that Australian taxpayers’ money would be utilized to create content for religious persecution is one of the most appalling things I could fathom.

“Despite the pleas, ABC disregarded them and proceeded with the broadcast. As it turned out, the Falun Gong practitioners were absolutely correct,” he recounted, explaining how the documentary was quickly translated and published on a CCP-backed website dedicated to disseminating falsehoods about the practice.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a meditation practice based on spiritual teachings centered on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance.

Initially endorsed by the CCP, with official estimates suggesting a following of 100 million people, the CCP abruptly launched a severe persecution campaign against Falun Gong adherents on July 20, 1999—almost 25 years ago.

Despite the distance from Beijing, practitioners in Australia continue to face threats from the regime through pressure on their families and friends in China, local surveillance, or physical and verbal attacks by CCP supporters.

“I was appalled that our national broadcaster aired this despite being informed of the consequences. And exactly what Falun Gong predicted came to pass,” Mr. Limbrick remarked.

The Victorian MP disclosed that he promptly filed a formal complaint with the ABC and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

“The ABC conducted an internal investigation and found no wrongdoing. And ACMA declared no issues,” he stated.

“I disagree with those assertions. I believe they placed a vulnerable community at significant risk through their actions.”

Branded a ‘Traitor’ by the CCP

Following Mr. Limbrick’s formal complaints about the documentary to the ABC being covered by the media, the CCP’s site labeled him a “traitor” to Australia. This came as a profound shock to the lawmaker.

“I found myself on the [Chinese] communist party’s website, accused of being a traitor to my country, which was more hurtful than anything I’ve experienced in Parliament,” he expressed.

“They labeled me a traitor because I defended the rights of a persecuted religious group and opposed our state media.”

Mr. Limbrick stressed the need for Australia to confront such authoritarian regimes on behalf of all Australians, particularly dissidents who have sought refuge in the country.

“These are the individuals we are dealing with, who seek to infiltrate and influence our nation,” he explained.

“It is glaring that MPs are not briefed on such matters by ASIO at the very least.”

He called for stronger support for MPs to combat this type of foreign interference.

Australia Trails Behind the Global Response

The United States, Canada, and the European Union have all shown unwavering support for Falun Gong practitioners and condemned the CCP for its human rights abuses against the group.

The U.S. State Department stood in solidarity with adherents on the 24th anniversary of the persecution while the EU passed a resolution in January condemning the persecution and urging an investigation into the ruthless suppression.

Canada’s UN envoy also called out the CCP to end its human rights violations against Falun Gong practitioners.

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