Australia warns of 'arbitrary detention' risk in China

7/7/2020 20:04

        Australia on Tuesday warned its citizens that they may be at risk of arbitrary detention" if they visit China.
        
        The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in an updated travel advisory for China that "authorities have detained foreigners because they're 'endangering national security,'" adding that "Australians may also be at risk of arbitrary detention."
        
        It is not clear what prompted the warning, which comes as bilateral relations between the free trade partners have plummeted over Australia's calls for an independent investigation into the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic is believed to have started in China late last year.
        
        Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed last week that his government was considering an offer of safe haven to Hong Kong residents threatened by Beijing's move
        
        to impose a tough national security law on the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.