United States expresses concern over China-linked repression in Australia

The United States Embassy in Australia has issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding reports of China-linked transnational repression targeting individuals within Australia. The US Embassy stated that it stands with Canberra in defending individual freedoms, national sovereignty, and the right to live without intimidation, noting that these values are central to the alliance between the two nations.

This response follows comments from Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander Matthew Gala, who detailed tactics used by foreign state actors to intimidate, harass, or silence people living abroad. Gala noted that such repression often begins under the guise of influence, involving engagement with community figures to shift perspectives. When individuals resist these efforts, the tactics can escalate into threats or harassment.

Law enforcement officials indicated that transnational repression is actively occurring on Australian soil, though much of it remains undetected by the public. These coercive behaviors are reportedly designed to silence and control victims by weaponizing their connections to family members in their home countries to influence their political and social actions in Australia.