Australian authorities accuse a Chinese national of meddling in domestic affairs, filing charges for "foreign interference."
Australia has accused China's Public Security Bureau of covertly gathering information on Australian citizens, specifically targeting the Guan Yin Citta Buddhist association in Canberra. A Chinese national who is also a permanent Australian resident was charged under Australia’s foreign interference laws with covertly collecting information about the Canberra branch of this Buddhist association on behalf of China’s Public Security Bureau.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) allege that the woman was tasked by the Chinese Public Security Bureau to gather this information covertly. This marks the first time that Australian authorities have charged a person for foreign interference involving the general Australian community rather than just political entities. The accused appeared in court facing one count of reckless foreign interference, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment.
The investigation into the woman began in March 2025 after a tipoff from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Police raided a number of houses in Canberra over the weekend in relation to this case, and a number of items, including electronic devices, were seized during the searches and will undergo forensic examination.
The case highlights concerns over China’s intelligence operations targeting local communities in Australia. The AFP and ASIO characterize such acts as serious crimes undermining democracy and social cohesion. Mike Burgess, Australia's spy chief, recently warned of the mounting domestic security threat posed by foreign actors such as China.
Burgess emphasized that anyone who thinks it is acceptable to monitor, intimidate, and potentially repatriate members of the Australian diaspora communities should never underestimate the capabilities and resolve of the AFP. The alleged activity supports the intelligence objectives of China's Public Security Bureau, and the AFP has stated that offenders will attempt to spy on individuals, groups, and institutions in Australia at a time of permanent regional contest.
This case is unusual in that it appears to be targeting Australian citizens, and it is a rare instance of a major trading partner like Australia linking Beijing to a covert influence plot. The AFP's investigation and subsequent charges highlight the ongoing concern of foreign interference in Australian affairs. Burgess described foreign interference of the kind alleged as an "appalling assault on Australian values, freedoms, and sovereignty."
In light of the charges against a Chinese national residing permanently in Australia, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) claim that this instance of foreign interference involves the general Australian community, not just political entities. This case, which targets a Buddhist association, marks a departure from previous involves as it seems to be focused on Australian citizens.
