SYDNEY: Australian Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu will face trial in China next week accused of industrial espionage and receiving bribes, the government said Wednesday.

"Mr Hu and the other defendants will be tried by the Shanghai No. 1 Intermediate People's Court, commencing on Monday 22 March," the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement.

"Mr Hu will stand trial on charges of receiving bribes and infringing commercial secrets."