Canberra – Australian authorities have charged two more Chinese nationals with foreign interference offences, escalating tensions with Beijing and raising further concerns about covert influence operations within the country. The arrests, announced today by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), are linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged spying on a Canberra-based Buddhist association.
The individuals – a 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman – appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court accused of covertly gathering information about the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist group. According to the AFP, the pair allegedly worked in concert with a woman previously charged in as part of the same operation, known as Operation Autumn-Shield. All three are accused of acting under the direction of a Public Security Bureau in China.
The charges come as Australia grapples with a series of alleged foreign interference incidents, prompting a tightening of national security laws in . The introduction of these laws has demonstrably strained relations with China, Australia’s largest trading partner. This is the fifth case brought under the foreign interference legislation.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt of the AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations unit stated that foreign interference represents a “serious crime that undermines democracy and social cohesion.” The pair are each charged with one count of reckless foreign interference, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment. They did not apply for bail and will remain in custody until a further court appearance .
The investigation began in , following intelligence provided to the AFP and the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce (CFITF) by ASIO. Search warrants were executed in the Australian Capital Territory in , leading to the initial arrest. Today’s arrests represent a further deepening of the investigation and a clear signal of Australia’s resolve to counter perceived foreign interference activities.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess issued a warning alongside the announcement of the charges, stating that foreign regimes are increasingly putting pressure on their citizens living abroad. “Multiple foreign regimes are monitoring, harassing and intimidating members of our diaspora communities,” he said, highlighting the broader context of these alleged activities.
The focus on Guan Yin Citta is significant. While authorities have not publicly detailed the specific information sought, the group has previously been described by Chinese state media as an “evil cult.” This characterization suggests a potential motive for the alleged surveillance, possibly aimed at monitoring or disrupting the activities of the association and its members.
Prior to these latest charges, a Victorian man was charged in , and a New South Wales man was charged in with similar offences, demonstrating a pattern of alleged foreign interference attempts targeting Australia. These cases, combined with the current investigation, underscore the growing concern within Australian security agencies about the scale and sophistication of these operations.
The AFP has released arrest footage via Hightail, a move likely intended to demonstrate transparency and the seriousness with which the allegations are being treated. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that further charges may be laid as the inquiry progresses.
The charges are likely to further complicate the already strained relationship between Australia and China. While both countries maintain diplomatic and economic ties, a series of disputes in recent years – including disagreements over trade, human rights, and regional security – have created a climate of mistrust. The allegations of foreign interference are likely to exacerbate these tensions and could lead to further diplomatic repercussions.
The case also raises broader questions about the vulnerability of diaspora communities to foreign interference and the challenges faced by intelligence agencies in detecting and disrupting covert operations. Australia, like many Western democracies, is grappling with how to balance the need to protect national security with the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
The Australian government has not yet issued a formal statement beyond the announcements made by the AFP and ASIO. However, it is expected that the issue will be raised in upcoming diplomatic discussions with Chinese officials. The outcome of the court proceedings and any subsequent diplomatic fallout will be closely watched both within Australia and internationally.
