Chinese Women Tried In Australia For Monitoring Buddhist Groups

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - A woman from China was tried in court in the Australian capital, Canberra, on Monday after police charged her with a foreign interference case for allegedly monitoring Buddhist groups in the city on behalf of Chinese security agencies.

This is the third time the indictment has been filed under a foreign interference law introduced in Australia in 2018, and the first time a Chinese national has been charged under the law.

The woman who is also an Australian permanent resident faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if found guilty, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said in a statement Monday, August 4.

"AFP will accuse the woman of being assigned by China's Public Security Bureau to secretly gather information about Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist association," the statement said.

Police began investigating the woman's activities in March, based on information provided by the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO).

He was arrested on Saturday after police searched his home in Canberra.

The enactment of foreign interference laws sparked tensions with China, Australia's largest trading partner.

Two cases of foreign interference previously involved Australian nationals suspected of collaborating with Chinese intelligence agencies.

"Anyone who considers monitoring, intimidation, and potential repatriation of members of our diaspora community can be accepted, never underestimate our ability and determination," said ASIO's former Director General Mike happened.