Sydney, July 10 (DPA) Australian diplomats Friday met the Rio Tinto executive held by Chinese authorities since Sunday over spying allegations.

Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith would not comment on reports in the Chinese media that Australian citizen Stern Hu stood accused of trying to bribe employees of Chinese steel companies to gather confidential information during iron ore price negotiations.

'There is a limit to what Australia can do,' Smith said. 'Under Chinese law, which is what we're dealing with, a person can be detained for some time without charge and only when he is charged is he eligible to get legal representation.'

Trade Minister Simon Crean, who is in China, is to raise Hu's detention when he meets officials Saturday in Shanghai.

Hu, the head of Rio Tinto's Shanghai operations, is being held along with three other Rio Tinto employees who are Chinese nationals. They are also accused of espionage.

The company released a statement declaring it was surprised by the allegations.