Archive · 5 Aug 2025
Australia Charges Chinese Woman with Foreign Interference
A Chinese woman living in Australia has been charged with spying.
The Australian government believes she was secretly watching a Buddhist group in Canberra, for a Chinese security agency.
This is a first for a Chinese national and the third time these foreign interference laws have been used in Australia.
The Foreign Minister said Australia won't accept this kind of activity.
If found guilty, the woman could go to jail for up to 15 years.
A Chinese woman was charged with foreign interference in Canberra, Australia.
She is accused of monitoring a Buddhist group for a Chinese security agency.
This is the first time a Chinese national has been charged under the law.
Australian Foreign Minister Wong stated interference will not be tolerated.
The woman faces up to 15 years imprisonment if convicted.
- Who
- A Chinese woman, accused of monitoring a Buddhist group for a Chinese security agency.
- What
- A Chinese woman was charged with reckless foreign interference.
- When
- The woman appeared in court on Monday.
- Where
- Canberra, Australia.
- Why
- Allegedly working on behalf of a Chinese security agency.
China's Position
Australia's Position
Alleged Interference
China's Position
China has never interfered in other countries' internal affairs.
Australia's Position
Australia views the actions as interference.
- Charge
- Reckless foreign interference
- Maximum Sentence
- 15 years imprisonment
- Accused
- Chinese woman and permanent Australian resident
- Accusation
- Monitoring a Buddhist group for a Chinese security agency
- Investigating Agency
- Australian Federal Police (AFP)
- Foreign Minister's Stance
- Australia will not tolerate surveillance