Full Breakdown
Australia Condemns Alleged Chinese Police Interference with HungryPanda Riders
2/19/2026, 11:13:51 PM
Overview of the Incident
On February 19, 2026, the Australian government condemned alleged foreign harassment after reports surfaced that Chinese police had pressured food delivery riders working for HungryPanda in Australia. The riders, primarily Chinese nationals on temporary visas, were reportedly threatened to deter them from protesting against the company over pay and working conditions. The situation has raised significant concerns regarding foreign interference in Australia.
Background of HungryPanda
Founded in 2017 by Liu Kelu, HungryPanda is a food delivery service that caters primarily to the Chinese diaspora. The company has expanded its operations to nine countries, including Australia, where it has faced scrutiny over its treatment of delivery riders. Many of these workers have raised issues regarding pay cuts and a lack of transparency in the app's algorithm, leading to a growing discontent among them.
Allegations of Intimidation
Reports indicate that some HungryPanda riders in Sydney discussed plans to protest against the company in a WeChat group. Following these discussions, several riders received threatening phone calls from Chinese police, warning them and their families against participating in protests abroad. For instance, Wang Zhuoying, a former rider, reported receiving multiple calls from police in China, which made her feel targeted and intimidated. Another rider, Wang Caifa, described how his father was summoned to a police station in China and questioned about his son's activities in Australia.
Official Responses
The Australian Department of Home Affairs stated that it does not tolerate surveillance or harassment of individuals in Australia. A spokesperson emphasized that the government is aware of the situation involving HungryPanda riders but declined to comment on specific cases. Foreign Minister Penny Wong did not address the allegations directly, but Labor senator Tony Sheldon expressed concern, affirming that all workers in Australia have the right to organize without fear of intimidation.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics, including the Transport Workers Union, have accused HungryPanda of fostering a "Wild West"-style industry, where riders face arbitrary pay cuts and retaliation for standing up for their rights. Senator Sheldon highlighted the need for HungryPanda to comply with minimum standards for gig workers, similar to other companies in the industry. Richard McGregor, a China expert, described the police intervention as "sinister," suggesting a high degree of organization behind the intimidation efforts.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the Australian government has acknowledged the reports of intimidation, there is no evidence linking HungryPanda directly to the actions of the Chinese police. The Chinese Embassy in Canberra has not responded to inquiries regarding the situation. Additionally, HungryPanda stated it was unaware of the alleged interference, attributing any police attention to the riders' discussions in the WeChat group.
Conclusion
The allegations of Chinese police interference with HungryPanda riders in Australia highlight the complexities of foreign influence and the rights of gig workers. As the situation unfolds, it raises critical questions about the protections available to workers in the gig economy and the extent of foreign governmental reach into domestic labor disputes.
