The Australian government is planning to introduce legislation which would enable it to veto agreements made by local governments and public organisations with foreign governments.
The foreign relations bill would require any deals with foreign countries to get final approval from the foreign affairs minister.
PM Scott Morrison said it was vital that Australia "speak with one voice".
The move may threaten a controversial deal Victoria state agreed with China.
The state's decision to sign up to China's Belt and Road initiative - a global infrastructure project that aims to expand global trade links - drew criticism from the federal government, as well as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Chinese-government run Confucius Institutes operating at Australian universities could also be affected by the new laws, amid growing alarm at what Canberra has called unprecedented levels of foreign interference on campuses.
Under the new powers, which are subject to parliamentary approval, all states and local governments, as well as universities, must notify the federal government of their existing agreements with foreign governments. Any further negotiations they enter into will also be subject to approval by the foreign affairs minister.
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