The Australian Government has disputed advice issued to Chinese citizens urging them not to travel to Australia amid what China calls a spike in racism during the coronavirus pandemic.
Key points:
- The advisory came from China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- It said that violence against Chinese and Asian people in Australia had seen a “significant increase”
- Last month, China announced an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley
The Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued the alert, reporting a “significant increase” in racist attacks on “Chinese and Asian people”.
The warning came after China’s state-run tabloid Global Times published an editorial that told Chinese students to “be cautious about studying in Australia”.
“The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reminds Chinese tourists to enhance their safety awareness and do not travel to Australia.”
But Australian Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said the Chinese Government’s claims were false.
“We reject China’s assertions in this statement, which have no basis in fact,” he said.
“Australia is enjoying world-leading success in suppressing the spread of COVID-19 and, when the health advice allows, we