A Chinese woman, currently a permanent resident of Australia, has been charged with reckless foreign interference for allegedly gathering information on the Guan Yin Citta Buddhist association, a group known for its unconventional beliefs. The allegations suggest involvement from the Chinese Communist Party in targeting this association, which promotes a range of fringe ideas, including the assertion that former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was Chinese in a past life.
The woman appeared in the ACT Magistrates’ Court on Monday, following accusations that she covertly collected intelligence on the Buddhist group. The premises of Guan Yin Citta in Canberra, situated near the Australian National University, were closed due to water damage on Tuesday. Pamphlets distributed by the group, showcasing its beliefs, remained available to the public despite the closure.
Guan Yin Citta’s late leader, Master Jun Hong Lu, who passed away in 2021, is described as an earthly manifestation of the Bodhisattva Guan Yin, a revered figure in Buddhism known for compassion. The group’s materials claim that through a practice called “totem reading,” Lu could reveal individuals’ past, present, and future based on their birth year, gender, and Chinese zodiac sign.
Religious organizations in China face significant restrictions, with the Communist Party persecuting groups that do not fall under its control. The Guan Yin Citta association has been labeled a “heterodox organisation” by Chinese state media, indicating its status as effectively banned within China.
In one of Lu’s books, he humorously recounted a personal curiosity about Rudd’s fluent Mandarin skills, stating, “In the end, do you know what Kevin Rudd’s past life was? He was Chinese.” During his tenure, Rudd was a well-regarded figure in China, known as Lu Kewen.
The association’s website features testimonials asserting that following Lu’s teachings has led to miraculous medical recoveries and unexpected job opportunities. One follower claimed, “I released 2000 fishes, diligently recited Buddhist sutras prescribed by Master Lu, and vowed to adopt a vegetarian diet for more than 20 days a month. A month later, my test results were normal. What a miracle!”
Experts in Chinese civil society, such as John Fitzgerald from Swinburne University, emphasize that any religious organization not sanctioned by the Communist Party is considered illegal and potentially a threat to national security. He noted that the party aims to maintain strict control over all organizations within China, ensuring alignment with its objectives.
The association gained traction both in China and internationally, which has resulted in members facing detention and interrogation by Chinese authorities. Feng Chongyi, an associate professor specializing in China studies at the University of Technology Sydney, highlighted the history of the Chinese government targeting dissident groups abroad, including religious organizations like Falun Gong and various democracy movements.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced on Monday that the Chinese Public Security Bureau allegedly instructed the woman to gather intelligence on Guan Yin Citta to support Chinese government objectives. Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt indicated that the police operation began in March, following intelligence received from ASIO, and the investigation remains active, with the possibility of additional charges.
The charge of reckless foreign interference carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. While attempts were made to reach both the Chinese embassy and Guan Yin Citta for comments, no responses were immediately forthcoming.
This situation highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding religious freedom and foreign influence in Australia, as authorities grapple with the implications of international interference on domestic soil.
