A Chinese national has been charged with foreign interference after allegedly gathering intelligence about a Canberra-based Buddhist association on behalf of a Chinese government agency.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt of the AFP’s Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command said investigations were ongoing, and more charges had not been ruled out. “Foreign interference is a serious crime that undermines democracy and social cohesion,” he said.
“At a time of permanent regional contest, offenders will attempt to spy on individuals, groups and institutions in Australia.”
He added that one of the strongest defences against foreign interference is community awareness and reporting, and encouraged anyone feeling targeted to contact authorities.
The woman, who is also an Australian permanent resident, was arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on Saturday, 2 August 2025, as part of Operation Autumn-Shield, following intelligence provided by ASIO. She appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court today (4 August) charged with one count of reckless foreign interference under section 92.3 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) — an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
It is only the third time such a charge has been laid in Australia since the introduction of foreign interference laws in 2018, and the first case involving alleged interference in a community group.
The AFP alleges the woman was tasked by China’s Public Security Bureau to covertly collect information about the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist association known for its spiritual teachings and migrant community involvement.
Search warrants were executed at homes in Canberra, with electronic devices and other items seized for forensic analysis.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess praised the joint operation and warned that foreign actors seeking to intimidate diaspora communities would be met with resistance. “Foreign interference of the kind alleged is an appalling assault on Australian values, freedoms and sovereignty,” Burgess said.
“Anyone who thinks it is acceptable to monitor, intimidate and potentially repatriate members of our diaspora communities should never underestimate our capabilities and resolve.”
The AFP has published a multilingual factsheet explaining how foreign interference manifests and what affected individuals can do. It is available in more than 40 languages on the AFP website.
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