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Chinese Woman Charged in Australia with Foreign Interference
A Chinese national and permanent resident of Australia has been charged with “reckless foreign interference” after allegedly conducting surveillance on a Buddhist group in Canberra on behalf of a Chinese security agency.
The woman appeared in a Canberra court on Monday, but has not entered a plea. Her bail was denied, and a suppression order is in place preventing media from publishing her name.
Accused Has Links to Chinese Security Apparatus
According to court reports, the woman’s husband holds the position of vice captain in a provincial Public Security Ministry in China. It was also revealed she visited the Chinese consulate in Canberra shortly after police raided her home.
Police allege she was directed by China’s Public Security Bureau to gather intelligence on Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist organization operating in Canberra.
Foreign Minister: “No Tolerance for Harassment”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong responded to the case on Tuesday, affirming the government’s strong stance against foreign interference.
“We do not tolerate harassment, intimidation, or surveillance of Australians,” Wong said during an ABC radio interview.
“We have a strong framework to deter foreign interference in our democracy.”
While Wong declined to speak directly on the case, she emphasized the seriousness with which Australia treats foreign interference.
Legislation Invoked for the Third Time
This is only the third case prosecuted under Australia’s foreign interference laws, which were introduced in 2018. It is also the first time a Chinese national has been charged under the legislation.
If convicted, the woman faces a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.
China Responds: Denies Interference
In response to the case, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson claimed ignorance of the case’s details but said China would monitor the developments closely and “safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens.”
The spokesperson added:
“China has never interfered in the internal affairs of other countries, and firmly opposes any attempts to disrupt normal people-to-people exchanges and cooperation… under the pretext of ‘foreign interference’.”
“Chinese Woman Charged in Australia with Foreign Interference” “Chinese Woman Charged in Australia with Foreign Interference”