Security Threat Against Australian PM Linked to Banned Chinese Dance Group

Published: 25 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was temporarily evacuated from his official residence, The Lodge in Canberra, this week after authorities responded to a bomb threat connected to performances by a Chinese dance and music troupe that is banned in the People’s Republic of China. Federal police conducted an extensive search of the location but found no explosives and have stated there is no ongoing public safety threat.

The security scare unfolded late on Tuesday night, when an anonymous email was received by organisers associated with the New York‑based Shen Yun Performing Arts, a classical Chinese dance company with historic ties to the spiritual movement Falun Gong — a group proscribed in China. The message falsely claimed “large quantities of nitroglycerine explosives” had been placed around the PM’s residence and warned that “blood will flow like a river” if the scheduled shows continued.

Australian officials confirmed the threat was linked specifically to the upcoming performances by Shen Yun, which are due to take place across major Australian cities over the coming weeks. The troupe’s shows celebrate traditional Chinese cultural heritage and are hosted by independent promoters; they are subject to political controversy because of their association with Falun Gong and opposition to the Chinese Communist Party’s policies.

In response to the incident, Albanese urged Australians to “turn the heat down” in public discourse and emphasised that security is taken seriously. Speaking at an event in Melbourne, he stressed that while the evacuation was necessary, no dangerous items were found, and there is currently no evidence of continuing risk. He thanked law enforcement for their work in ensuring The Lodge was safe.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed the evacuation lasted several hours as they carried out a thorough check of the residence. Meanwhile, local organisers of the dance troupe expressed concern at the threatening communications, which were reportedly written in Chinese and directed at stopping the scheduled performances.

The incident is the latest in a series of security threats involving Australian politicians and public figures, reflecting an environment of heightened tensions surrounding cultural events and political advocacy. Federal authorities have not publicly identified the individual or group responsible for the threat.

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