The Australian: "In an exclusive interview, the departing US ambassador to Australia, John Berry, said foreign ­donations were illegal in America, and the US had been 'surprised' by Chinese money power in this country and wanted Australia to resolve the issue.

"'It is an entirely different ­matter when the government of China is able to directly funnel funds to political candidates to ­advance their national interests in your national campaign,' Mr Berry told The Australian.

"'That, to us, is of concern. We cannot conceive of a case where a foreign donation from any government, friend or foe, would be considered legitimate in terms of that democracy.'

Mr. Berry neglects to note that U.S. Elections are already under increasing influence from foreign companies and, theoretically, can be directly influenced by foreign governments channeling money through US companies or subsidiaries of which they own part or all, such as Saudia Arabia's investment in Uber. See our discussion of this issue.