Questions are being asked about a Sydney senior councillor’s links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

City of Sydney councillor and former Deputy Mayor Robert Kok has reported having involvement with the Australia Council for Promotion of Peaceful Reunification (ACPPRC) on his register of interests.

The organisation is dedicated to promoting “reunification across the Taiwan Strait” and “peaceful development” across the Asia Pacific.

The group is alleged to operate in the interests of Beijing.

Councillor Kok's register of interests includes a 2018 trip to Nanjing and Hangzhou, which was partly sponsored by Chinese authorities.

NSW’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) last year heard claims that the ACPPRC is a “front”, operating in the interests of the Chinese Government.

The organisation used to have Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmo as its leader. Mr Xiangmo was banned from Australia by the Home Affairs Department last year due to concerns about his links to the CCP.

Researcher Clive Hamilton from Charles Sturt University (CSU) says the ACPPRC is one of the most active “pro-Beijing” organisations outside of China.

“The Chinese Communist Party has the United Front Work Department whose precise task is to carry out overseas influence operations in the interests of the [party],” he told the ABC.

“It is a political organisation operating in Australia operating on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party, it's as simple as that.

“This organisation is directly linked to it, is guided and at times directed by the central body in China.”

Additionally, a United States security inquiry has found that the network is controlled by the state-run United Front Work Department.

Councillor Kok has also reported advising the Australia China Economic Trade and Cultural Association (ACETCA).

He says his involvement with both organisations is “strictly limited and honorary”.

“Both these groups have a history of supporting the city's Lunar New Year celebrations,” Mr Kok told reporters this week.

“The ACETCA is involved in the lunar lanterns parade and the ACPPRC is involved in the lighting of the Opera House.

“I had association with both events in my previous role as the chair of the then named Sydney Chinese New Year Festival Advisory Group.

“I have had no engagement with either group outside this context. Neither group has ever sought my advice, nor have I given it.

“As a City of Sydney councillor I have a long history of advocating for our many and varied Asian communities.”

The Lord Mayor’s office has defended Cr Kok too.

“As the deputy chair of the city's Economic Development and Business sub-committee and the Cultural and Creative sub-committee, Councillor Kok has relationships with many local consulates,” a spokesperson said.

“This includes working closely with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.

“Every year, the city receives multiple Taiwanese business and governmental delegations.

“Councillor Kok also works with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in joint efforts to promote Sydney internationally.”

The ACPPRC lists other former and current Australian politicians on its website, including Nick Bolkus, Meredith Burgmann, Sonia Hornery, Jeff Hunter, Virginia Judge, Daryl Maguire, John Mills, and Jonathan O'Dea.