Ankara: China on Tuesday rejected interference in Australia after a Chinese citizen was charged by Canberra with spying.

According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that Beijing develops relations with other countries, including Australia, on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference. Guo emphasized that China does not involve itself in the internal affairs of other nations and opposes actions that disrupt normal interactions and cooperation under the guise of foreign interference.

The statement followed an announcement by Australian authorities on Monday, where police and the country's spy agency charged a Chinese national, who is also a permanent Australian resident, with the offense of 'foreign interference.' The individual was accused of covertly collecting information on a Buddhist group in Canberra and faced court proceedings on Monday with charges of "reckless foreign interference," which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

Guo further commented that China intends to closely monitor the legal proceedings and ensure the protection of the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens involved. This incident marks the third instance since 2018 that someone has been charged under Australia's foreign interference laws.