Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has warned China "the world will be watching'' the Stern Hu trial, which will begin next Monday.
Mr Rudd cautioned that Australia's legal system was different to China's, but said the Federal Government would do what it could.
"The Australia Government will do all that is necessary to support Mr Hu's interests,'' he said.
Mr Hu, an Australian national, is charged with industrial espionage and will face trial together with Liu Caikui, Ge Mingqiang and Wang Yong on Monday.
He stands accused of trying to obtain sensitive commercial information from Chinese steel executives and giving and receiving bribes while working for Rio Tinto.
Mr Hu has been in jail in China for eight months.
Australian consular officials have been told they will be able to observe some parts of the trial but not sections which are subject to commercial privilege.
Deputy opposition leader Julie Bishop said it would be preferable for the entire trial to be open to Australian officials.
Source: The Canberra Times
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