Two Chinese nationals have appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court accused of covertly gathering information on a Canberra Buddhist group to send back to China.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege the 25-year-old man and 31-year-old woman worked with a previously charged woman to gather information about the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta. 

Police said the alleged spying was on behalf of a Public Security Bureau in China.

The pair was arrested in Canberra this morning before the man was charged with covertly collecting information under foreign interference laws introduced in 2018.

He spoke only to tell the court he understood what was being said to him, replying: “Yes, I do.”

The man and woman will spend tonight behind bars after choosing not to apply for bail until tomorrow.

Police said they expect to charge the pair with one count each of reckless foreign interference. 

Warning from ASIO Director-General

The arrests stemmed from intelligence the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) gave to the AFP and Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce last year.

It prompted Operation Autumn-Shield, which saw search warrants executed in July and the arrest of the initial Chinese woman in August.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said foreign players are putting pressure on their citizens abroad. 

“Multiple foreign regimes are monitoring, harassing and intimidating members of our diaspora communities,” Director-General Burgess said.

“This sort of behaviour is utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.

“It is important to note, one of the best defences to foreign interference is increased community awareness of the threat and the reporting of suspicious activity to authorities.”

The charge of reckless foreign interference carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail.