Information
Two Chinese nationals, a 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, have been charged under Australia’s 2018 foreign interference laws for allegedly spying on the Guan Yin Citta Buddhist group in Canberra. Police claim they acted recklessly and gathered information covertly at the direction of China’s Public Security Bureau, which considers the group a cult. The pair are accused of working with another Chinese woman charged last August in connection with the same activities. If convicted, they each face up to 15 years in prison. This marks the second time Chinese nationals have been charged under the laws and brings the total number of people charged to five.
Australian authorities launched an investigation following a tip-off from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). ASIO chief Mike Burgess noted that multiple foreign governments are monitoring diaspora communities in Australia, which he deemed unacceptable and highlighted as a major security concern. Police officials stated that Australia is vulnerable to such foreign interference, particularly affecting diverse communities. This comes amid historically strained relations between China and Australia over national security and allegations of Chinese infiltration in community groups, despite improved ties since 2024 following the lifting of trade restrictions on Australian rock lobster.
Source: AFP, Reuters
So What
While these arrests are significant, China will certainly continue to maintain intelligence assets within Australia, despite this disruption. The case could reignite tensions between Canberra and Beijing, particularly given the sensitivity of foreign interference allegations, and any diplomatic strain may risk spilling over into the recently stabilised trade relationship. A key development to watch will be whether the Australian Federal Police are able to make follow-up arrests linked to the same network; although such outcomes are not necessarily likely, they remain a distinct possibility.
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