A Chinese spy believed to be the first operative from the country to blow his cover has revealed unprecedented details about how he says Beijing’s spies are infiltrating Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.

Wang “William” Liqiang, is seeking asylum in Australia after where he has offered a trove of confidential information about alleged Chinese political interference operations in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia.

In interviews with the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes, Mr Wang described how he was tasked by military intelligence officials to collect information related to pro-independence activists in Hong Kong.

The city’s universities, two of which have been the scene of fierce standoffs between riot police and protesters over the past two weeks, were a key focus of operations. Mr Wang claimed his organisation had “infiltrated into all universities, including student associations and other student groups.”

He was responsible for recruiting mainland students by luring them with scholarships, travel grants and an education foundation.