Has Australia Charged a Chinese National with Foreign Interference?

Canberra, Aug 4 (NationPress) A Chinese national, also holding permanent residency in Australia, has been charged with a foreign interference offence as stated in a joint announcement by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) on Monday.

The announcement detailed that the AFP has charged the woman for allegedly covertly gathering information about a Canberra Buddhist group on behalf of a foreign entity under the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce (CFITF).

In her appearance at the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday, she faced one count of reckless foreign interference, violating section 92.3 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), which could result in a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment. The AFP detained her on Saturday after executing search warrants at residences in Canberra, where several items, including electronic devices, were confiscated for forensic analysis.

Following intelligence from ASIO, the AFP initiated Operation Autumn-Shield in March. The statement asserted that the woman, a permanent resident, was allegedly instructed by a Public Security Bureau of China to clandestinely collect information regarding the Guan Yin Citta Buddhist association's Canberra branch.

This marks the third instance of a foreign interference charge laid in Australia since the introduction of new legislation by the Commonwealth in 2018, and the first concerning alleged community interference. A Victorian individual was charged in 2020, followed by another in April 2023.

AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt indicated that investigations are ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming. He described foreign interference as a serious crime that threatens democracy and social unity.

Nutt remarked, “Like other nations, Australia is not shielded from foreign interference, and we cannot assume this arrest will deter future attempts to target our diaspora communities.” He further noted the ongoing challenges presented by regional tensions, stating that offenders may seek to infiltrate individuals, groups, and institutions within Australia.

Nutt emphasized that the AFP and its partners will persist in educating the community about foreign interference, encouraging individuals to reach out to authorities if they suspect they are being targeted by foreign operatives.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess labeled the alleged foreign interference as an “appalling assault” on Australian values, freedoms, and sovereignty. He reiterated his stance in this year’s Annual Threat Assessment, warning perpetrators that, “We are watching, and we have zero tolerance.” He cautioned anyone who believes it is permissible to monitor, intimidate, or potentially repatriate members of our diaspora communities not to underestimate our capabilities and resolve.