Silent invasion: unmasking China’s espionage war in Australia

China is currently Australia's largest trading partner, making up 26% of the country's goods and services trade in the fiscal year 2022-23. The two-way trade between Australia and China has increased by 12%, reaching a total of about $317 billion. However, this trade relationship has made Australia more dependent on China, which leaves it vulnerable to potential sabotage from the latter. The reality is that it is virtually impossible to safeguard Australia against potential sabotage from China while maintaining such a strong economic reliance on the latter. Striking a balance between financial ties and ensuring national security seems unattainable in this context.

Thus, it should come as no surprise that one of the most insidious tools in the CCP's arsenal is economic coercion. That is, the economic relationship with China, while beneficial in many respects, has been weaponized by Beijing. From imposing tariffs on Australian barley in response to calls for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19, to the informal bans on Australian coal, wine, and other products, the message is clear: political obedience and subjugation are expected in exchange for economic advantages.

This economic leverage is a form of silent coercion, aiming to influence Australian policy and suppress criticism of the Chinese policies, including its genocide of the Uyghurs and its actions in Hong Kong and the South China Sea. To counter this, Australia must diversify its trade relationships, rebuild domestic manufacturing, and reduce dependency on a single market. Strengthening connections with neighbouring nations in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond has the potential to foster economic stability and enhance security, thereby reducing China's capacity to wield economic pressure as a means of exerting influence. By building stronger alliances and partnerships, countries can create a more resilient and interconnected network that promotes mutual growth and safeguards against undue coercion.

The Battle for Minds

Another front in this silent war is the battle for hearts and minds, both within the Uyghur community in Australia and the broader Australian public.

Experts caution that the Chinese government continues to emphasise "intelligent warfare" involving artificial intelligence in military strategies, concepts, and operations, heralding the potential emergence of "cognitive warfare." This concept involves utilising advanced technologies like AI to manipulate the thoughts and actions of adversaries, subtly influencing them to align with China's agenda, disrupting their democratic processes, and ultimately gaining a strategic advantage without a fight.

The cognitive warfare initiated by China has already been set in motion across numerous Western nations, yielding initial triumphs. However, it remains of utmost importance to thoroughly evaluate the prevalence and methods employed in this warfare within Australia, specifically targeting the Australian public and various communities.

Furthermore, the Chinese government employs sophisticated disinformation campaigns, leveraging social media and other online platforms to spread propaganda, sow discord, and manipulate public opinion. These efforts are aimed at legitimising China's actions in East Turkistan and elsewhere, while discrediting critics and dissidents.

To effectively combat the spread of dis/mis/mal information by the Chinese government, Australia must prioritise the enhancement of digital literacy, resilience, and critical thinking skills among its population. By fostering a culture of scepticism and discernment, individuals can better identify and reject false narratives. Collaboration between media organisations, social media platforms, and educational bodies is crucial in unveiling and challenging the propaganda tactics employed by the Chinese government, safeguarding the Australian public from manipulation and misinformation.

Solidarity and Support

For Uyghur Australians, the fear of harassment, intimidation and surveillance is a daily reality.

To ensure the well-being of the Uyghur community, the Australian government should enhance its support by facilitating the reporting of incidents related to Chinese transnational repression to intelligence and security agencies. Legal measures may need to be taken in certain instances to address Chinese transnational repression of the Uyghur community in Australia. Additionally, measures should be taken to provide protection and assistance to those who are targeted by Chinese operatives. This support should encompass legal aid for individuals facing intimidation and mental health services for those coping with the distress of persecution and the anguish of having their family members detained in concentration camps in East Turkistan.