As Australia is set to vote on May 3, concerns about foreign interference are back in the spotlight. A video has caused raised concern. It depicts Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of China -affiliated group purportedly supporting an independent candidate in Melbourne.
The target group here is the Australia Hubei Association. It is associated with the United Front Work Department (UFWD), which is a CCP-affiliated agency whose mission is advancing Chinese influence worldwide. The clip, shared by Tharini Rouwette of COMPELL, indicates the volunteers working on behalf of Monique Ryan in Kooyong. The recording implies these volunteers were instructed to support Ryan as her policies “serve the Chinese community.”
Australia Hubei Association and CCP Ties
The Australia Hubei Association has long been raising red flags. In 2018, it was named in a parliamentary submission as a “United Front-linked business group” operating in Australia.
In the latest video, Ji Jianmin—the president of the group—purportedly instructed Chinese Australians to vote for Ryan. Volunteers in the video claim Ryan “speaks for the Chinese” and more accurately represents their interests. Ryan’s campaign, however, has disavowed any affiliation with the group.
AEC Passes Case to Integrity Taskforce
Australia’s Electoral Commission was swift in its response. It passed the case to its Integrity Assurance Taskforce. The taskforce is made up of police and intelligence agencies. They will now examine that whether any laws regarding elections have been violated.
Australia has previously experienced interference threats. In 2021, Chinese-Australian businessman Sunny Duong was the first to be convicted under Australia’s foreign interference laws. The present case heightens concerns that Beijing is supporting not just independents but also significant party candidates.
Politicians Distance Themselves
Monique Ryan has reacted. She stated that her staff had no connection to the Hubei Association. She emphasized her firm opposition to foreign political influence.
Labour Minister Clare O’Neil further attested to the fact that her office refused assistance from the association. Victoria had a reported Greens Party candidate also targeted but the party was denying cooperation.
China’s Broader Influence Strategy?
Analysts think Beijing thinks it can bring something in. Some are speculating that China can go for “twee” upgrades—socially liberal but economically centrist independents. In a hung parliament, they can bring the vote. That would make them the linchpin to form or influence policy in the future.
Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson cautioned against such strategies. Foreign governments such as China could gain from political turmoil, he said. A hung parliament, he cautioned, would leave Australia exposed.
Election Integrity at Risk
The May 3 election is now a stress test for Australia’s democracy. While trade relations between China and Australia have thawed, political interference fears persist. The government needs to do more to provide a safe and clean vote.
Australia’s intelligence and electoral watchdogs have a stern task. They need to remain vigilant. Foreign-funded campaigns, if established, would go a long way in destroying public trust. Politicians need to be open. The country needs to remain vigilant in order to protect its democracy from foreign control.
