Chen Yonglin also told an Australian newspaper that officials tipped off his bosses immediately after he requested political asylum.

Mr Chen said he was defecting as he could no longer support what he said was China's persecution of dissidents.

The Chinese consulate said Mr Chen had made up stories to avoid going home.

Mr Chen, 37, who worked as the Chinese consul for political affairs in Sydney, has been refused political asylum but he could be given a protection visa.

Australian authorities have confirmed they had received an application for a protection visa from the diplomat, but did not comment on the asylum application they had allegedly rejected.

Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone said the diplomat's asylum application would not receive special treatment.

The defection attempt has come at a delicate time, as Australia and China are trying to deepen economic and political ties.

'Thousand spies'

Mr Chen is believed to have gone into hiding with his wife and daughter.

The diplomat said he had been responsible for monitoring Chinese dissident activity in Australia, including that of members of the spiritual movement, Falun Gong, which is banned in China.

He also said that there were up to 1,000 Chinese spies in Australia.