China has accused the mining giant of bribery and stealing state secrets

Australian mining giant Rio Tinto rejected Chinese allegations that four employees detained in Shanghai were involved in bribery and stealing state secrets, reported the Financial Times.

The Australian government is engaged in diplomatic efforts to assist the detainees. Rio said the claims that employees were bribing officials at Chinese steel mills were wholly without foundation.

Sam Walsh, chief executive Iron Ore said in a statement: ‘We remain fully supportive of our detained employees, and believe that they acted at all times with integrity and in accordance with Rio Tinto's strict and publicly stated code of ethical behaviour.’

“We remain fully supportive of our detained employees, and believe that they acted at all times with integrity.

Sam Walsh, chief executive Iron Ore, Rio Tinto

The Australian mining group is continuing to operate in China with high levels of iron ore shipments.

According to the FT, Gary Locke, the new US commerce secretary, promised he would raise the case with Beijing.

Rio said it remained very concerned about the four employees detained in Shanghai.