Australia has denounced reported efforts by Chinese authorities to pressure HungryPanda delivery riders after the ABC said some riders were warned not to join protests. Government officials say the counter foreign interference taskforce is aware of the claims, while ASIO has warned that multiple foreign regimes try to monitor and intimidate Australians. The AFP recently charged two Chinese nationals with alleged foreign interference, and the Chinese embassy has been asked to comment.
Australia Condemns Alleged Chinese Pressure On HungryPanda Delivery Riders
Australia's ABC says some HungryPanda food delivery drivers in Australia have been pressured by Chinese police (DAVID GRAY)(DAVID GRAY/AFP/AFP)
Australia has publicly condemned reported attempts by foreign authorities to pressure people living in the country after a media report said Chinese police contacted members of a delivery workforce in Australia.
Public broadcaster ABC reported that a number of Chinese-born riders working for the food-delivery company HungryPanda in Australia were disputing pay and working conditions. According to the ABC, riders used a WeChat group chat to discuss possible protests.
Several riders told the broadcaster that police in China had phoned them directly or warned relatives back in China not to take part in demonstrations. An unnamed government source suggested the calls may have aimed to discourage participation in protests abroad or, for unclear reasons, to assist the company.
HungryPanda — an Asia-focused delivery firm founded in Britain in 2017 by a Chinese international student — did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs said: "The Australian Government does not tolerate surveillance, harassment, or threats towards any Australian citizens or individuals lawfully in Australia." The spokesperson added that the government's counter foreign interference taskforce was "aware" of the ABC report but declined to discuss individual cases.
Australia's spy agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), declined to comment on the specific report. In its latest annual threat assessment, ASIO warned that "multiple foreign regimes" attempt to monitor, harass and intimidate Australians and other residents.
Separately, the Australian Federal Police this month charged two Chinese nationals with alleged foreign interference, accusing them of spying on a Buddhist group at the behest of police in China. The Chinese embassy in Canberra was contacted for comment on the HungryPanda allegations.
Context: The allegations underscore concerns about extraterritorial influence and the protections available to foreign-born residents in Australia. Officials say they will not tolerate intimidation or threats against people lawfully in the country.
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