American spy boss warns China could already be trying to interfere in the Australian federal election China could meddle in Australia's upcoming Federal election, spy boss says Admiral Mike Rogers says China may seek to interfere in the democratic process Fears come after Chinese and Australian relations had a roller-coaster yearBy Kelsey Wilkie For Daily Mail Australia Published: 06:06 GMT, 16 February 2019 | Updated: 06:07 GMT, 16 February 2019 Viewcomments America's former spy boss has warned of possible off-shore interference in Australia's upcoming federal election. Admiral Mike Rogers, who was head of the National Security Agency up until last year, says China may be seeking to meddle in Australia's democratic process. After US President Donald Trump recently accused China of seeking to interfere in their mid-term elections, Mr Rogers says Australia may now also be at risk. Admiral Mike Rogers, who was head of the National Security Agency up until last year, says China may be seeking to meddle in Australia's democratic process Mr Rogers, who was a key player in the Russia scandal during the 2016 US presidential election, told The Australian he would tell every democracy out there to be mindful. 'Thirty years ago no nation needed to worry about the idea of using cyber, social media and other tools to attempt to manipulate or influence (democratic) outcomes, but the digital age and social media have taken this to a new level, whether there is more means by nation states and individual actors to manipulate or influence.' Chinese and Australian relations had a rollercoaster year in 2018 with the Government passing controversial legislation limiting the influence of overseas players in Australian affairs, ABC reported. In August the ABC’s website was blocked from Chinese servers after the Australian Government announced rules that stopped two Chinese Telecommunications companies from participating in the 5G infrastructure network rollout. As Australians head to the voting booths, Admiral Mike Rogers, who was head of the National Security Agency up until last year, has warned of prudence towards China This came after leaks over China's attempts to interfere with federal politicians, but the Government said the laws were not aimed at Beijing. Mr Rogers warnings come as Australian prepare to head to the polls in May. Mr Rogers was the head of US Cyber Command and has become more involved in Australian intelligence after being appointed to the US advisory board Australia-US Dialogue. He said the US had become more vocal over concerns with China to ensure confidence in the democratic process. Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility