Chinese Woman Faces Court for Alleged Spy Activities in Australia

A Chinese woman in Canberra faces charges under Australia's foreign interference laws for allegedly spying on a Buddhist group for China's security agency. This marks the first prosecution of a Chinese national under these laws, potentially leading to 15 years of imprisonment if convicted.

A Chinese woman appeared before a Canberra court on Monday, charged with 'reckless foreign interference.' She allegedly spied on a local Buddhist group for a Chinese security agency, marking the first case against a Chinese national under 2018's foreign interference laws.

If convicted, the woman, a permanent Australian resident, could face up to 15 years in prison, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced. The AFP claims she was recruited by China's Public Security Bureau to covertly collect information on the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist association.

The Chinese embassy in Canberra and China's Foreign Ministry in Beijing have yet to comment. Investigations began in March following a tip from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Her arrest, after a search of Canberra homes, occurs amid strained Australia-China relations over the interference laws, which have previously implicated Australian citizens.

(With inputs from agencies.)