Chinese Woman Charged in Canberra Interference Case

Australian authorities have charged a Chinese national and Australian permanent resident with reckless foreign interference after she allegedly collected information on the Canberra branch of the Guan Yin Citta Buddhist association under direction from China’s Public Security Bureau. This arrest follows a joint AFP-ASIO investigation launched in March 2025 and marks only the third use of such laws since 2018. It is the first time the legislation has been applied to alleged interference in a community group rather than political or academic targets. Police searched multiple Canberra residences and seized electronic devices, and further arrests have not been ruled out as the investigation continues. Officials warned the covert surveillance threatens Australia's democracy, social cohesion, and national sovereignty. The case occurs amid heightened intelligence concerns over escalating foreign espionage and interference in Australia.