‘No basis in fact’: Australia hits back after China warns its citizens not to come here

The Australian government has rubbished China’s warning to its citizens not to travel here, saying it has “no basis in facts”.

The Australian government has rubbished China’s claim of increased racism against its citizens as "having no basis in fact".

On Friday the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism 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".

Trade and Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham rejected the claim, saying Australia was "the most successful multicultural and migrant society in the world".

"The Chinese Australian community is a significant and valued contributor to that success story," he said in a statement.

"Millions of tourists from all corners of the world demonstrate their confidence in Australia as a safe, welcoming and amazing destination by visiting each year, often returning multiple times.

"We reject China's assertions in this statement, which have no basis in fact. Our rejection of these claims, which have been falsely made by Chinese officials previously, is well known to them.”

Beijing’s statement 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."

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China has issued a warning not to travel to Australia.

Last month, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) reported that one in four people who lodged racial discrimination complaints in the past two months were targeted because of COVID-19.

In April, news.com.au reported on a shocking video that showed a gang allegedly attacking a pair of Chinese students as they were on their way home in Melbourne.

A Hong Kong student was also reported to have been punched in the face in Hobart for wearing a mask, during the early stages of the pandemic.

The WHO has been called into question with its ties to China.

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

International students make up a huge part of Australia’s economy, and some wonder whether these measures are to punish Australia for its call for an independent inquiry into the global pandemic.

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

But Beijing denied the new trade measures were a retaliation.

Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan said that COVID-19-related discrimination against people of Asian backgrounds must be condemned.

"Coronavirus has nothing to do with race or nationality — and neither fear of the virus, nor frustration at the difficulties we all face, are excuses for discrimination," he said.

"People of all backgrounds are dealing with this crisis. No group can be singled out, and we must all work collectively to defeat it."

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