China has called on Australia to handle the case of two detained Chinese citizens carefully and to defend their legitimate rights and interests. The statement came from the Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, Lin Jian, during a press conference. He noted that while he was unaware of the specific details of the case, it is important for Australia to approach the matter properly.

Australian police announced on Wednesday that they had charged two Chinese nationals, a 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, with espionage at the behest of the Chinese authorities. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison. The charges stem from allegations that they were involved in gathering secret information about a Buddhist group called 'Guan Yin Citta' located in Canberra, the Australian capital. The police are set to present evidence in court that links the pair to a Chinese national who had been charged previously with similar offenses.

This incident highlights the strained relations between Australia and China, particularly concerning issues of espionage and foreign interference. With increasing scrutiny on China's influence in Australian affairs, the case could stoke further tensions, and Beijing's public declarations may reflect its attempts to safeguard its citizens' interests while responding to international pressures regarding human rights and legal processes in Australia.