Map: Australia
Labor senator Sam Dastyari has cast doubt on a Chinese media report at the heart of the furore surrounding political donations he accepted.
Speaking from China this morning, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull accused Senator Dastyari of undermining Australia's foreign policy.
"Back home, Bill Shorten is standing up for Sam Dastyari's right to take cash from a company — associated with a foreign government — and then express a view on foreign policy that undermines the Australian Government's foreign policy," Mr Turnbull said. The Prime Minister was referring to a media report published by Chinese news agency Xinhua during the federal election campaign, which quoted Senator Dastyari at a media event in Sydney.
He is quoted as saying: "The South China Sea is China's own affair. On this issue, Australia should remain neutral and respect China's decision."
That position is at odds with government policy, which Labor supports.
When asked about the statement today, Senator Dastyari said: "I'm not responsible for how the Chinese media reports my comments".
Photo: Sam Dastyari has defended his stance on Beijing's South China Sea policy. (AAP: Luksa Coch)
