The Hubei Association is now facing scrutiny for its role in Australia’s electoral process. This group is reportedly tied to the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party. The association’s political mobilization of thousands of volunteers to support independent Dr. Monique Ryan’s campaign raised fears over foreign influence in Australian politics. Volunteers alleged that the Hubei Association had directed them to oppose Dr. Ryan. This statement led to an angry public exchange over the group’s intentions and ties.
In a 2018 parliamentary inquiry submission, researchers Alex Joske and Clive Hamilton named the Hubei Association. They tagged it as a “United Front-linked corporate front group.” The association’s cultural events, according to their own statements, are funded by people living in Australia who came from Hubei. Against the backdrop of such allegations, Ji Jianmin, head of the Hubei Association, did not pull punches. He repeatedly and categorically rejected any attempts to assist the Chinese government influence federal elections.
Ji Jianmin’s Defense
Ji Jianmin has vigorously denied accusations that he is trying to influence Australian politics. He blamed the press for “slandering” him and terrorising the Chinese Australian community. In a statement, Ji emphasized his commitment to transparency, stating, “I have nothing to hide and would cooperate with any inquiry.” He rejected the idea that he directed the volunteers to aid Dr. Ryan, claiming that the Hubei Association functions independently.
“What is the evidence and facts that can show my connection with (the United Front) of China?” – Ji Jianmin
Ji further emphasised that the association’s funding is only from members residing in Australia. Not a dime of funding (… comes) from an outside country. “All of the costs (are) borne by Australians but incurred in Hubei. Ji stressed his commitment to Australia, emphasizing that he is concerned only with doing good things by the culture.
“Australia is my home. I’m absolutely loyal to Australia.” – Ji Jianmin
Volunteer Recruitment and Political Implications
This put the Hubei Association in a world of trouble. The tempest swelled when it emerged that they had recruited the foot soldiers that defeated Dr. Ryan’s campaign. Chap Chow, who helped recruit these volunteers, explained that he reached out to Ji Jianmin because of their longstanding friendship. Chow emphasized that the help given was completely voluntary, meaning nobody had to agree to engage.
“We’ve seen [what she did] and are willing to help her in re-election. People are all doing it voluntarily. No one was forced.” – Ji Jianmin
The association attempted to aid Clare O’Neil’s campaign by offering a group of ten volunteers for polling booth staffing, but O’Neil’s office reportedly declined their offer. This turnaround deepens the intrigue behind the story about the Hubei Association’s goals. It does open up the significant questions about influencing foreign powers and their impact on the Australian election.
An Australian government official commented on the challenges of understanding groups like the Hubei Association, given the obscure nature of the United Front’s operations. These types of organizations, they explained, usually work to undermine or unseat democratic political processes in places like Australia.
“If you were a foreign authoritarian government and you wanted to weaken or destabilise Australia, you would probably prefer that there be a hung parliament, that no party have a majority.” – An Australian government official
Broader Concerns and Reactions
The turn of events has spurred Australian governments, universities, and other institutions to sound alarm bells about the danger of foreign interference in Australian democracy—particularly from China. Leading critics of United Front work, these organizations such as the Hubei Association serve as the main targets for UFW. They leverage their networks in diaspora communities to influence political results back home.
As these debates rage on, Ji Jianmin has refused to back down from his defense against the charges of wrongdoing. He objected to the characterization of his group’s actions as evil masterminding, claiming that they operate on their own without any central orders.
“In a democratic Australia, this kind of fact-less slander makes all of us Chinese in Australia feel terrified.” – Ji Jianmin
Supporters like Chap Chow echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that most individuals within their community prioritize living peacefully rather than engaging in political maneuvering. Chow remarked, “Personally, I don’t care about politics… we just want to live a good life in Australia.”
“Ninety-nine per cent of my time in the past 29 years, I was in Australia.” – Chap Chow
As scrutiny of the Hubei Association persists, Ji Jianmin has expressed his willingness to participate in investigations and share information with those seeking clarity on his organization’s operations.
“I’ll be open to investigations and interviews. I’m open in sharing facts and truths to all friends.” – Ji Jianmin
