Controversial book about China’s secret influence to be published in Australia

Beijing. February 6. Silkroadnews - A controversial book about China’s secret influence will be published in Australia, “BBC” reports.
“A controversial book that details allegations of Chinese interference in Australian society will be released after finding a new publisher,” the report said.
Australian author Professor Clive Hamilton said three publishers refused to publish the book because of fears of legal claims from Beijing.
“Wider discussion in Australia about possible Chinese influence has been dismissed by Beijing as ‘hysteria’,” the report reads.  
However, after the book was rewritten to “minimize the legal risk”, publisher Hardie Grant stated it would release the book titled “Silent Invasion: China’s Influence in Australia”. According to the publishing house, the book will be released in March.
Professor Hamilton said the book contains allegations of hidden efforts to influence Australian politics and society, he did not specify, however, on what had been rewritten.
He also said that first he offered the manuscript to Australian lawmakers, where it was seriously considered by the parliamentary committee.
Last year, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull referred to “disturbing reports about Chinese influence” in discussing new laws aimed at countering foreign interference in Australian politics.
However, he stressed that the laws were not specifically aimed at China.
China has repeatedly rejected claims that it tried to influence Australian society, primarily its politics and education.
“We urge the Australian side to look at China and China-Australia relations in an objective, fair and rational manner,” the representative of the Chinese Embassy in Australia said in December.