Beijing denies spy claims after alleged Chinese agent targets Canberra Buddhist group

China does not interfere with other countries, a state-controlled newspaper has claimed, after a woman was alleged to have been sent by Beijing to spy on a Canberra Buddhist group.

The alleged agent, a permanent resident of Australia, is accused of covertly collecting information about an association banned in China, the Australian Federal Police said.

The AFP alleges the woman, who is also an Australian permanent resident, was tasked by China’s Public Security Bureau to covertly gather information about the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist association.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said overnight his government was “not familiar with the specifics” of the case.

“Let me say more that as a principle, China develops relations with other countries, including Australia, on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of others,” he said, as cited by the state-controlled Global Times.

“China never interferes in other countries’ internal affairs, and, meanwhile, firmly opposes any disruption to the normal people-to-people interactions, exchanges, and co-operation between China and relevant countries under the pretext of foreign interference.

“China will follow this case closely and protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals.”

The Global Times is a mouthpiece for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The CCP has a history of exerting its influence in Australia to keep the Chinese diaspora in line.

Analysts have long warned of the party’s efforts to undermine key industries and suppress free speech on university campuses, with Chinese students dobbing in fellow students who voice views that rub Beijing up the wrong way.

The Albanese government, which has sought to gloss over touchy topics with China in the pursuit of better economic ties, has responded cautiously to news of the suspected agent in Canberra.

Though, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has vowed the Albanese government “will safeguard our democracy”.

“Our democracy is about who we are,” Senator Wong told the ABC on Tuesday.

“And that means we will stand together against any foreign interference.

“We have strong frameworks in place.

“We will not tolerate collectively, or as a government, Australians being harassed or surveilled. We will continue to safeguard the democracy.”

On relations with Beijing, she said “dialogue matters”.

“Dialogue is important. Dialogue enables us to manage difference, but it doesn’t eliminate it,” Senator Wong said.