China asks its citizens not to travel to Australia

The Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism has issued a travel alert to its citizens warning them not to travel to Australia due to a "significant increase" in racist attacks on "Chinese and Asian people".

The statement issued on Friday (local time) said the alleged attacks came in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, racial discrimination and violence against Chinese and Asian people in Australia have seen a significant increase," the statement said.

"The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reminds Chinese tourists to enhance their safety awareness and do not travel to Australia."

The warning came after China's state-run tabloid Global Times published an editorial warning Chinese students to "be cautious about studying in Australia".

There have been anecdotal reports of people of Asian appearance experiencing increased racism in the wake of COVID-19.

This warning from China could further sour relations between the trade partners.

Last month, China announced an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley and blacklisted four major beef exporters due to labelling violations.

But Beijing denied the new trade measures were retaliated to Australia's call for an independent investigation into the global pandemic.

Source: Agencies


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