Australia’s new foreign interference laws not directed at any specific country : Defence Minister Marise Payne.

Defence Minister Marise Payne says the Turnbull government will not take a backwards step from protecting Australia's interests as tensions flare with China.

   

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has admitted there is friction between the two countries, after concerns were aired in Chinese media about the federal government's new foreign interference laws.

   

Senator Payne has stressed the legislation was not directed at any specific country.