ISLAMABAD, Pakistan / ISTANBUL

Australian authorities have charged two Chinese nationals with foreign interference, alleging they covertly gathered information on a Buddhist association in the capital on behalf of a foreign principal.

A 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were arrested Wednesday following a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the domestic intelligence agency ASIO under Operation Autumn-Shield, which was launched in March 2025, according to a joint statement.

Prosecutors allege the pair worked with another Chinese national charged last year and acted under the direction of China’s Public Security Bureau to monitor the Canberra branch of the Guan Yin Citta Buddhist group.

Both were charged with reckless foreign interference under the Criminal Code, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison if convicted.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt described foreign interference as a serious threat to democracy and social cohesion, warning that diaspora communities are often targeted.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said multiple foreign regimes continue to monitor, harass and intimidate communities in Australia.

“Multiple foreign regimes are monitoring, harassing and intimidating members of our diaspora communities. This sort of behaviour is utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,” Burgess said.

The case marks the fourth and fifth charges brought under Australia’s foreign interference laws introduced in 2018.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing “never interferes in other countries’ internal affairs.”

“We oppose disruption of normal people-to-people interactions, exchanges and cooperation between China and relevant countries under the pretext of foreign interference,” Lin told a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

“China urges Australia to handle the case prudently and properly and protect the local rights and interests of Chinese nationals,” Lin said.