Two Chinese citizens are set to face legal proceedings on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in covertly gathering information about a Buddhist organization, purportedly on behalf of a Chinese government agency. This marks Australia’s second case under its recent foreign interference laws, first introduced in 2018.
The Australian Federal Police announced that the two suspects – a 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman – allegedly collaborated with another Chinese individual to gather intelligence on Canberra’s branch of Guan Yin Citta. The pair’s activities were deemed suspicious enough for them to be charged, bringing their number in such cases to four so far this year.
In his statement issued jointly with the Federal Police, Mike Burgess, Australia’s spy chief, stressed that these actions are unacceptable and not tolerated: “Multiple foreign regimes monitor, harass, and intimidate our diaspora communities. Such behavior is utterly unacceptable.”
The investigation began last year when the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) provided information to law enforcement officials, indicating potential foreign interference.
Each suspect faces a maximum 15-year jail term for reckless foreign interference if found guilty in court. The Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding their case.
Australia’s new security laws have already strained relations with China, the country’s largest trading partner. Two previous cases involved Australian citizens accused of aiding Chinese intelligence agencies.
Burgess highlighted that Australia faces a complex and evolving security landscape: “A dynamic, diverse, and deteriorating environment poses increasing challenges.”
The Guan Yin Citta incident has sparked renewed attention to foreign interference concerns within Australia, with the government considering further legislative measures.