Premier Daniel Andrews says his government has no intention of altering its approach to China, despite the latest allegations of that nation’s espionage activity in Australia.

He said Victoria could pursue closer trading ties with the growing superpower while maintaining a “tough stance” on protecting Australia’s democratic process from foreign interference.

Daniel Andrews says revelations of ASIO investigations into alleged Chinese spying are serious, but do not affect his pursuit of trade opportunities. Credit:Eddie Jim

The remarks came in the wake of revelations by The Age that Chinese spies allegedly tried to install an agent of theirs as a member of the Federal Parliament – news that followed the confessions of a man who says he was a Chinese intelligence operative now seeking to defect and be granted asylum in Australia.

Victoria has the closest trading partnership with China of all the Australian states, with the Premier, a frequent visitor to the Communist-ruled country, recently signing a co-operation deal on infrastructure, innovation, ageing and trade development.