Sam Dastyari’s relationship with China continues to deepen, with revelations he tried to stop Labor colleague Tanya Plibersek from meeting with a Chinese pro-democracy activist.

The Labor senator is accused of repeatedly trying to warn Ms Plibersek that her meeting would upset figures within the Chinese community in Australia.

Chris Smith talks with The Australian’s National Security Editor Paul Maley about China’s growing influence over Australia.

“It’s pretty murky. It goes beyond the usual wielding of soft power, it goes beyond the normal lobbying that you see all the time in politics.

“[It’s] surreptitious and covert, and by its nature, divides the loyalties of the candidates involved. It is of great concern, no doubt.”

Click PLAY below for the full interview