Chapter 1 - Introduction

Background to the inquiry

1.1         Mr Chen Yonglin, a Chinese diplomat working at the Chinese Consulate in Sydney, approached the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) on 26 May 2005 to request political asylum for himself and his wife and daughter. Questions soon arose over whether contact with the Chinese consulate by DIMIA to confirm Mr Chen's identity on 26 May was appropriate. Further to this it was the decision of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to reject Mr Chen's request for political asylum and his role in such requests was also questioned. The Committee further examined the actions of and meetings with DIMIA and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) which took place from 27 May to 3 June 2005 and Mr Chen's claims regarding the persecution of Falun Gong, the existence of an extensive Chinese spy network in Australia, kidnapping allegations and the monitoring and harassment of Australian citizens.

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