Overview

• China’s Ministry of State Security used its official WeChat account to accuse Australian agencies of fabricating a “Chinese espionage threat” and branded ASIO’s public warnings as irrational and unprofessional.
• The statement claimed Chinese security services dismantled espionage operations instigated by Australian intelligence, a success it said came at the expense of efforts to stabilise ties.
• ASIO director-general Mike Burgess warned on July 31 that nation-states are conducting espionage at unprecedented levels and revealed his agency had disrupted 24 major foreign interference operations over three years.
• In early August, the Australian Federal Police charged a Chinese national with reckless foreign interference for allegedly spying on a Canberra Buddhist association on behalf of China’s Public Security Bureau.
• With prosecutions active and both sides persisting in public accusations, diplomatic relations face renewed strain as private de-escalation efforts remain off the table.