Australian intelligence agency raided homes of Chinese journalists in Australia, China's state media claims

Members of Australia's intelligence agency raided the homes of Chinese journalists in Australia and questioned them before seizing their computers and smartphones, Chinese media has claimed.

Multiple Chinese state-owned media outlets today reported the claims, accusing the Australian government of "double standards" and "hypocrisy".

The claims come one day after two Australian journalists were dramatically pulled out of China following fellow reporter Cheng Lei's detention.

ABC journalist Bill Birtles and Australian Financial Review journalist Michael Smith landed in Sydney yesterday.

They were returned home to Australia over fears they were no longer safe.

High-level diplomatic negotiations took place which saw Beijing allow Birtles and Smith to return, after they had been questioned.

The pair were told they were being investigated in connection with the recent detention of Australian journalist Cheng, who also worked in China.

However, Chinese media today claim "personnel from the Australian National Intelligence Agency" conducted dawn "raids" on June 26 and told reporters to keep quiet on the search.

"At the same time, intelligence personnel also searched the residence and office of Mossman, MP for the Labour Party (sic) of Australia and New South Wales," one state-run media outlet claimed.

"The reason is that Mo has repeatedly publicly praised China's achievements in fighting the epidemic and criticised Australia's China policy. The relevant Australian authorities suspect that Mo is a Chinese agent."

The claims appear to be referencing AFP and ASIO raids on the office of NSW Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Another publication claimed freedom of the press "has become political correctness for Australian authorities".

The media outlet quoted an unnamed source as saying Chinese journalists in Australia "strictly comply with Australian laws and have good professional conduct".

"Like journalists from other countries, they have an attachment for Australia, make friends with Australian people, and work hard to improve their understanding of the country and its people," it claimed the source told them.