'We never interfere': China denies allegations of foreign interference after AFP charges Chinese national in Canberra over collecting information
While Buddhists are widely recognised in China, there is evidence of significant persecution and restrictions, particularly against Tibetan Buddhists.
On Tuesday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun vehemently denied allegations of China's foreign interference and claimed the superpower developed "relations with other countries, including Australia, on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference".
"We are not familiar with the specifics," Mr Guo said after being asked about the arrest of the Chinese citizen in Australia under 'foreign interference' law.
"Let me say more broadly that China develops relations with other countries, including Australia, on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of others.
"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."
Mr Guo said China would follow the case "closely" and protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals.
Despite the Chinese official's claims of non-interference, Beijing has long history of foreign espionage and political meddling.
In 2018, it was revealed the Chinese Communist Party was attempting to influence Australian politics, business and education through its United Front Work Department.
The parliament heard that Australia's university sector was the frontline for Chinese influence through students and scholars associations.
The Turnbull government then passed the Espionage and Foreign Interference Bill, the same piece of legislation used to charge the Chinese woman in Canberra on the weekend.
In an exclusive interview with Sky News Australia's Cheng Lei, former Chinese spy, Eric, hailed the arrest, saying it was important Australian authorities worked to counter Beijing's efforts to gather intelligence and exert influence at the community level.
Asked whether the woman was acting alone or as part of a larger network of spies, Eric suggested evidence provided by the AFP pointed to the former - although he also warned Beijing had likely established a "large" presence in Australia.
Commenting on the CCP's objectives more broadly, the former spy explained foreign agents had two main aims when conducting operations.
"The CCP's spying in Australia takes place in two tracks. One is to quieten criticism against the Chinese government, to ensure its governance security, another is in geopolitics, that may include business, technology, military intel," he said.
AFP Assistant Commissioner for Counterterrorism and Special Investigations Stephen Nutt said the woman, who was arrested on Saturday, faced a maximum of 15 years imprisonment.
'Foreign interference is a serious crime that undermines democracy and social cohesion,' Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
The AFP Assistant Commissioner said Australia was 'not immune' to espionage and did not expect this arrest to prevent further attempts to target diaspora communities living in Australia.
Assistant Commissioner Nutt said the 'best defence' was an increase in community awareness and reporting of suspicious activity.
He said the AFP was not dealing with the Chinese embassy as part of its investigation and flagged investigators were planning for more arrests.
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