Chinese-born Australian lawmaker under fire over past links

Gladys Liu came under media scrutiny over her membership in organisations overseen by the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, which exert influence on foreign governments. PHOTO: GLADYS LIU MP/FACEBOOK

CANBERRA (AP) - The first Chinese-born lawmaker to be elected to Australia's Parliament has come under attack over her links to the Chinese foreign influence network.

Ms Gladys Liu was elected to the conservative government in May elections.

She came under media scrutiny on Tuesday (Sept 10) and Wednesday over her membership in organisations overseen by the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, which exert influence on foreign governments.

She told Sky News television on Tuesday that she "cannot recall" being a member of one of those organisations.

But Ms Liu said in a statement on Wednesday that she had held an "honorary role" in the organisation but no longer had an association.

Opposition lawmakers have accused Ms Liu of making misleading statements about her links to "Chinese Communist Party propaganda arms".

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