Chinese Woman Charged Under Australia's Foreign Interference Laws
Australian police charge a Chinese woman with covertly collecting information about an Australian Buddhist association.
MELBOURNE: A Chinese citizen was charged on Monday under Australia’s foreign interference laws for allegedly gathering information about an Australian Buddhist association.
This marks the third such case since the laws were introduced in 2018, and the first instance involving interference with the broader Australian community.
The woman, a permanent resident based in Canberra, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
According to police allegations, she collected information about the local branch of the banned Guan Yin Citta Buddhist association on behalf of China’s Public Security Bureau.
Police have not disclosed her specific intentions or the alleged objectives behind her actions.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) stated that this case represents the first time they have charged someone with foreign interference targeting Australia's general population.
He emphasized that such activities undermine democracy and social cohesion.
The suspect, who cannot be named due to a court order, was arrested at her home on Saturday.
Following the charges in Canberra’s court, she remains in custody.
The Chinese Embassy in Canberra did not immediately respond to requests for comment on this development.
This case has significant implications given its timing amidst efforts by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to improve bilateral relations with China.
Relations between Australia and China reached a low point under the previous government over issues related to these foreign interference laws.
Albanese visited Beijing last month, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the fourth time since taking office in 2022.
The charge against the Chinese woman also highlights ongoing concerns about foreign interference within Australia’s security landscape.
Previous cases have involved individuals such as Vietnam-born Melbourne businessman Di Sanh Duong and Sydney businessman Alexander Csergo, who were accused of attempting to influence government officials on behalf of China.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) has noted its significant contribution to this latest arrest, underlining the ongoing efforts by Australian law enforcement agencies to combat foreign interference activities.
This marks the third such case since the laws were introduced in 2018, and the first instance involving interference with the broader Australian community.
The woman, a permanent resident based in Canberra, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
According to police allegations, she collected information about the local branch of the banned Guan Yin Citta Buddhist association on behalf of China’s Public Security Bureau.
Police have not disclosed her specific intentions or the alleged objectives behind her actions.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) stated that this case represents the first time they have charged someone with foreign interference targeting Australia's general population.
He emphasized that such activities undermine democracy and social cohesion.
The suspect, who cannot be named due to a court order, was arrested at her home on Saturday.
Following the charges in Canberra’s court, she remains in custody.
The Chinese Embassy in Canberra did not immediately respond to requests for comment on this development.
This case has significant implications given its timing amidst efforts by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to improve bilateral relations with China.
Relations between Australia and China reached a low point under the previous government over issues related to these foreign interference laws.
Albanese visited Beijing last month, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the fourth time since taking office in 2022.
The charge against the Chinese woman also highlights ongoing concerns about foreign interference within Australia’s security landscape.
Previous cases have involved individuals such as Vietnam-born Melbourne businessman Di Sanh Duong and Sydney businessman Alexander Csergo, who were accused of attempting to influence government officials on behalf of China.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) has noted its significant contribution to this latest arrest, underlining the ongoing efforts by Australian law enforcement agencies to combat foreign interference activities.
