Chinese-Australians have a diminished view of President Xi Jinping, while their support for democracy as the best system of government is rising, according to a new survey that comes against a backdrop of improving ties between Beijing and Canberra.

However, foreign policy think-tank the Lowy Institute’s third “Being Chinese in Australia” annual report shows low support among Chinese-Australians for acquiring nuclear submarines under AUKUS, and a more benign view of Chinese and Russian foreign policies compared to the broader Australian population.