Scott Yung, the Liberal candidate for the Bennelong seat in Sydney, has come under scrutiny after he addressed casino high roller Xie Xiongming—who has connections to the Chinese Communist Party—using the term "brother" in Mandarin during a Lunar New Year event.

The event took place on January 6, where Yung thanked Xie for organizing festivities despite previously stating he had no association with him.

Video footage from the event shows Yung encouraging attendees to applaud Xie, who is a former associate of billionaire Huang Xiangmo, a political donor who was barred from entry into Australia in 2019 due to national security concerns.

Xie's past involvement includes a business partnership with Huang, whose activities prompted concerns from Australian security agencies.

In July 2019, Xie faced charges from New South Wales Police for allegedly demanding property valued at $10 million from a former gambling associate; however, those charges were later dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

Yung launched his campaign for the upcoming federal election at the Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club, but he avoided addressing the media and took side exits, following concerns about campaign finance issues stemming from a prior state election campaign.

In response to inquiries regarding his relationship with Xie, Yung acknowledged his presence at the Lunar New Year celebrations, stating, "At the event I was invited up to speak, and as is standard practice, I acknowledged those present in the room with culturally appropriate honorifics.

I have no relationship with this individual or their organisation."

Despite Yung's distancing, the Coalition had previously described Xie simply as "a member of the public" who attended several events with the Liberal candidate.

Xie was present to support Yung and reportedly hosted a lavish celebration in Sydney Town Hall on January 30, attended by numerous business and Liberal officials.

Additionally, Xie participated in a public walk with Yung and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in Chinatown on February 2, leading the state Liberal Party to reiterate that he was not an official supporter or donor to Yung's campaign.

Further complicating Yung's situation, the video from the New Year event features him referring to Xie as "Brother Ming" and requesting applause for him, stating, "I’m very happy today that Brother Ming, Mr. Xie, gave us this opportunity and brought us together."

The Australian national charity regulator has rescinded the charity status of the Australia China Charitable Foundation, established by Xie in 2017, which is distinct from other well-established organizations in the sector.

Xie's history includes a near-fatal stabbing in 2016, suspected to be linked to gang conflict.

In contrast, former Labor state MP Ernest Wong, who also attended the January event, has been implicated in corruption by the Independent Commission Against Corruption for attempting to circumvent donation laws linked to Huang.

Wong attended the event briefly, recording a presence at multiple community gatherings.

Yung was notably absent from a press conference held with Dutton in his constituency, raising concerns among party members regarding the potential implications of Yung's financial disclosures related to his campaign.