Chinese ambassador leaks conversation with DFAT Secretary

The Chinese Ambassador to Australia has leaked a private conversation with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade surrounding Australia's push for a global inquiry and China's threat to boycott Australian goods. Ambassador Jingye Cheng suggested Secretary Frances Adamson "admitted" Australia cannot have the proposed inquiry during the coronavirus crisis, according to Sky News reporter Annelise Nielsen. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham confirmed on Tuesday Afternoon the government called the ambassador while also declaring Ms Adamson herself contacted him regarding his comments on a potential consumer boycott on Australian exports. The Australian government is pushing for a global investigation into the handling of the coronavirus pandemic, while also suggesting an independent body should have the same powers as international arms inspectors to investigate the cause of a pandemic without consent of the source country. The claim by the ambassador that Ms Adamson admitted the investigation could not occur while the pandemic continues is not the "line we're hearing" from the Australian government, Ms Nielsen said. Image: AP