Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress and ranked as the third-highest leader in the Chinese Communist Party, began his visit to Australia over the weekend. During his visit, staff at the Australian Parliament were reportedly instructed to “close doors, shutter windows, and shut down devices,” with expectations that Wi-Fi may experience intermittent disruptions.
According to an email sent to staff by parliamentary departments, Zhao will meet with senior Australian officials, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning at Parliament House. To maintain security and privacy, the email instructed offices along the delegation’s route to ensure doors and windows were closed and network connections suspended. All connected devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, were to be powered off; if use was necessary, phones and tablets had to have updated software and be in lock mode, while laptops were required to turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
The email also included a map showing the delegation’s route within the building. Parliamentary officials said the measures were intended to “ensure a smooth, secure, and clear path for the visit”. They reminded staff to follow instructions from security personnel and the support team.
Zhao first arrived in Brisbane, visiting energy companies and a koala conservation center, before arriving in Canberra on Monday for Parliament-related engagements. Upon arrival at the local air force base, he was greeted by crowds waving Chinese flags. However, outside Parliament, groups including Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Falun Gong practitioners gathered to protest against his visit.