Australia Charges Two Chinese Nationals with Reckless Foreign Interference in Canberra
AFP alleges the pair gathered intelligence on a Buddhist association under direction of Chinese security agents, marking the fourth and fifth charges under Australia’s foreign interference laws
Two Chinese nationals have been formally charged by Australian authorities with reckless foreign interference after allegedly collecting information on a Canberra-based Buddhist organisation on behalf of a foreign principal.
The Australian Federal Police’s Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce announced on February 11 that a 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were expected to appear before the Australian Capital Territory Magistrates Court later that day on one count each of reckless foreign interference, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of up to fifteen years’ imprisonment.
The charges relate to an investigation codenamed Operation Autumn-Shield, which was initiated in March 2025 following intelligence provided by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
Police allege the pair worked alongside another Chinese national charged in August 2025 to covertly gather information about the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist association with international ties.
Authorities say the activities were carried out under the direction of China’s Public Security Bureau, Canberra’s principal domestic security agency.
Officials have underscored that these charges mark only the fourth and fifth instances of individuals being charged under Australia’s foreign interference laws, which were first introduced in 2018 as part of broader efforts to safeguard national security and democratic institutions.
The AFP and ASIO have characterised foreign interference as a serious threat that can undermine social cohesion and democratic processes, especially when diaspora communities are targeted.
ASIO’s Director-General of Security emphasised that multiple foreign regimes have been monitoring, harassing and intimidating members of Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities in ways that are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Police conducted a series of raids in the Australian Capital Territory in July 2025, leading to the first arrest in August and now culminating in the detention and charging of the two most recent suspects.
The accused are due to face court proceedings in the coming days, where they will respond to the charge of reckless foreign interference.
The Australian Federal Police’s Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce announced on February 11 that a 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were expected to appear before the Australian Capital Territory Magistrates Court later that day on one count each of reckless foreign interference, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of up to fifteen years’ imprisonment.
The charges relate to an investigation codenamed Operation Autumn-Shield, which was initiated in March 2025 following intelligence provided by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
Police allege the pair worked alongside another Chinese national charged in August 2025 to covertly gather information about the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist association with international ties.
Authorities say the activities were carried out under the direction of China’s Public Security Bureau, Canberra’s principal domestic security agency.
Officials have underscored that these charges mark only the fourth and fifth instances of individuals being charged under Australia’s foreign interference laws, which were first introduced in 2018 as part of broader efforts to safeguard national security and democratic institutions.
The AFP and ASIO have characterised foreign interference as a serious threat that can undermine social cohesion and democratic processes, especially when diaspora communities are targeted.
ASIO’s Director-General of Security emphasised that multiple foreign regimes have been monitoring, harassing and intimidating members of Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities in ways that are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Police conducted a series of raids in the Australian Capital Territory in July 2025, leading to the first arrest in August and now culminating in the detention and charging of the two most recent suspects.
The accused are due to face court proceedings in the coming days, where they will respond to the charge of reckless foreign interference.
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