Advertisement
Australia
OpinionLetters

LettersChinese-Australians are wary of China, but even more wary of the US

  • Readers discuss a survey of Chinese-Australians’ world views and the India government’s commitment to democratic values

2-MIN READ2-MIN
Lanterns hang from above as crowds flock to Dixon Street Mall as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown, Sydney, Australia, on January 29, 2022. While 54 per cent of Chinese-Australians are concerned about Chinese influence on Australia’s political processes, 62 per cent are concerned about US influence on the same. Photo: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Letters
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification.
Other than sounding the alarm on Chinese-Australians’ distrust of India, Su-Lin Tan could also have mentioned that Chinese-Australians’ trust in Chinese President Xi Jinping to do the right thing in global affairs has taken a hit as well (“Most Chinese-Australians distrust India compared to rest of population, survey finds”, April 20). I’d be worried if my confidence rating dived from 65 per cent to 42 per cent over 12 months.
In general, confidence has fallen in all the political leaders surveyed by the Lowy Institute’s annual “Being Chinese in Australia” survey for 2022.
Advertisement

But despite the dip in number, Xi will find solace in still nudging ahead of both French President Emmanuel Macron (37 per cent) and US President Joe Biden (34 per cent), as well as Australia’s Opposition leader Peter Dutton (25 per cent) in the same poll.

And while just over half (54 per cent) of Chinese-Australians are concerned about Chinese influence on Australia’s political processes, nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) are concerned about US influence on the same.

Advertisement

Xi may no longer be the flavour of the month within my community, yet many more of us are more acutely suspicious of American geopolitical meddling than China’s.

The report also found that 35 per cent of Chinese-Australians experienced being “treated differently or less favourably”, with 14 per cent “physically threatened or attacked”.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x