Finance
Australia charges two Chinese nationals with foreign interference
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 11, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 11, 2026
Tags:security
Quick Summary
Australia charges two Chinese nationals with foreign interference for gathering information on a Buddhist group, impacting relations with China.
Australia Accuses Two Chinese Nationals of Covert Foreign Interference
Details of the Foreign Interference Charges
SYDNEY, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Two Chinese nationals are set to appear in court on Wednesday, after Australian police charged them with foreign interference on grounds of covertly collecting information about a Buddhist group, on behalf of a Chinese government security agency.
Background on Foreign Interference Laws
It is the second instance of Chinese nationals being charged under foreign interference laws that Australia introduced in 2018, and the pair become the fourth and fifth individuals so charged.
Statements from Australian Officials
The Australian Federal Police said a 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman allegedly worked with another Chinese woman, who was charged in August, to gather information about the Canberra branch of the group, Guan Yin Citta.
Implications for Australia-China Relations
"Multiple foreign regimes are monitoring, harassing and intimidating members of our diaspora communities," Australia's spy chief, Mike Burgess, said in a statement issued jointly with police.
"This sort of behaviour is utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated."
Each defendant faces a count of reckless foreign interference, carrying a maximum jail term of 15 years, on the court appearance in the Australian capital.
The Chinese embassy in Australia did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.
The introduction of the foreign interference laws had strained ties with China, Australia's largest trading partner. Two prior such cases involved Australian citizens accused of working with Chinese intelligence agencies.
Police said the investigation began last year after spy agency the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) provided information.
Foreign interference is one of Australia's principal security concerns, added Burgess, the agency's director general.
"A complex, challenging and changing security environment is becoming more dynamic, diverse and degraded," he added in the joint statement.
(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Key Takeaways
- •Two Chinese nationals charged with foreign interference in Australia.
- •Charges relate to collecting information on a Buddhist group.
- •Australia's foreign interference laws introduced in 2018.
- •The case strains Australia-China relations.
- •Investigation initiated by ASIO's information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Australia charges two Chinese nationals with foreign interference
1What is the role of the Australian Federal Police?
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is responsible for enforcing federal laws, including investigating crimes related to national security, organized crime, and terrorism in Australia.
2What is the significance of the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta?
The Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta is a Buddhist organization that has been the subject of foreign interference allegations, highlighting concerns over the monitoring of diaspora communities.
