China Blasts Australia's ‘Foreign Interference’ Charges
(MENAFN) China issued a strong rebuke on Tuesday following espionage charges filed by Australia against a Chinese citizen, warning against what it sees as political meddling under the guise of national security.
Responding to the allegations, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that China conducts its foreign relations—including with Australia—on principles of "mutual respect and non-interference."
"We never interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and in the meanwhile, firmly oppose any disruption to the normal people-to-people interactions, exchanges and cooperation between China and relevant country under the pretext of foreign interference," Guo stated.
The reaction from Beijing came just a day after Australian federal police and the nation’s intelligence agency formally charged a Chinese national, who also holds permanent residency in Australia, with “foreign interference.”
Authorities allege the individual covertly collected intelligence on a Canberra-based Buddhist organization. The suspect appeared in court Monday and now faces a "reckless foreign interference" charge—a crime that carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
Guo affirmed that Beijing will continue to monitor developments in the case closely and ensure the legal rights of its citizens are safeguarded.
This marks only the third prosecution under Australia’s foreign interference laws, which were enacted in 2018 to counter covert influence campaigns targeting the country’s democratic institutions.
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