Beijing: The chief of the Chinese Communist Party's United Front, which has been accused of mobilising spying abroad, has told Chinese living in Australia to respect local laws.

The Turnbull Government will introduce the first law to crack down on foreign interference through agents of influence, which is likely to include harsh penalties.

A member of the Chinese People's Armed Police stands guard near red flags at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Credit:Bloomberg

Asked about allegations in Australia that United Front was mobilising spying in Chinese communities, the United Front's executive vice minister, Zhang Yijiong, responded that overseas Chinese should respect Australia's "culture, history and way of life".

"We ask Chinese overseas to respect the law and regulations of receiving countries and become welcome members of those countries," he said.