Omari Gates
There is a range of opinions among Australians about Chinese people. Some Australians hold negative views of China's political system and human rights abuses, often associating the country with words like undemocratic, authoritarian, and oppressive. However, others admire Chinese culture, food, and the contributions of Chinese immigrants to Australia. Some Chinese people express admiration for Australia while distinguishing between their positive view of ordinary Australians and their concerns about the Australian government's actions and political stances. These complexities highlight the diverse perspectives that exist within both countries regarding each other.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Australians' perception of China | 47% as a security threat, 50% as an economic partner, 69% believe China will become a military threat within the next 20 years |
| Australians' trust in China | 12% trust China on foreign affairs, down from 16% in 2021 and 52% in 2018 |
| Australians' view of the Chinese government | Negative, with mentions of "undemocratic," "authoritarian," "oppressive," "totalitarian one-party state," and "strongly focused government that will seek conformity from citizens" |
| Australians' view of the Chinese people | Generally positive, with mentions of "lovely people," "fascinating culture," and "delicious food" |
| Chinese view of Australia | Generally positive admiration, but some negative comments about Australia's "anti-China" stance and political decisions |
| Chinese view of Australians | Mixed, with some expressing concern about loyalty during a potential war and others highlighting the good will of ordinary people |
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What You'll Learn
Australian views on China's government
Relations between the Australian and Chinese governments have been strained in recent years, with the two nations repeatedly disagreeing over national security and competing interests in the Pacific region. However, there have been recent attempts to improve ties, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visiting Beijing in July 2025 and meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Albanese's visit, his second official trip to China as Prime Minister, was seen as an important step in improving relations between the two countries. During the visit, Albanese emphasised the importance of dialogue and cooperation, stating that Australia values its relationship with China and will continue to approach it in a "calm and consistent manner, guided by our national interest". He also highlighted the 1.4 million Australians of Chinese descent, emphasising the human link between the two nations.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, public sentiment in Australia towards China remains sceptical. According to a Pew Research Center report, only 23% of Australians hold favourable views of China, indicating that repairing trust between the two countries will be a challenging and lengthy process. This scepticism is likely influenced by concerns about China's military build-up, its jailing of Australian writers on espionage charges, and differences in values and political systems, with Australia being a democracy and China a one-party autocracy.
Albanese's approach has been criticised by some as being too diplomatic, with warnings that it could be perceived as weakness by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). There are also concerns about China's sweeping territorial claims, particularly in the South China Sea, and the future of the Chinese-owned Darwin Port in northern Australia.
However, there have been some positive outcomes from the improved ties. China lifted a ban on imported Australian rock lobster, ending a damaging trade war that began in 2017. Additionally, there have been agreements to boost trade and tourism links, and increased cooperation in areas such as green steel and medical technology. While challenges remain, both countries recognise the importance of dialogue and are working towards stabilising their relationship.
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Australian views on Chinese people
Australians' views on China and its people have been influenced by various factors, including politics, trade, and cultural representation.
When Australians are asked about China, they often focus on the Chinese political system and government rather than the people themselves. Human rights abuses, lack of freedoms, and government repression are among the first things that come to mind for some Australians when thinking about China. There is also a perception of a lack of democracy, an authoritarian regime, and concerns about human rights abuses, particularly regarding the treatment of the Uyghur minority.
However, it is important to distinguish between views on China as a country and its political system and the perceptions of Chinese people, including Chinese Australians. There is a growing recognition of the contributions and representation of Chinese Australians in various sectors, including politics. A record number of Chinese Australian politicians now sit in the federal parliament, reflecting the diverse ancestries and backgrounds of the Australian population. Chinese Australians, such as Sam Lim and Gabriel Ng, have shared their experiences of facing racism and discrimination and the importance of cultural representation in politics.
In recent years, there have been efforts to improve relations between the Australian and Chinese governments. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized the importance of dialogue between the two countries and expressed Australia's interest in maintaining a positive relationship. This includes addressing points of contention, such as China's territorial claims in the South China Sea and the detention of Australian writer Yang Hengjun in China.
Overall, while Australians may have varying views on China as a country, the political system, and its government, there is also a recognition of the contributions and presence of Chinese Australians in various spheres, including politics and culture. The complex dynamics between the two countries continue to shape how Australians perceive China and its people.
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Australian-Chinese food
Australian-Chinese cuisine is a style of cooking that has been adapted to suit Australian palates and tastes. It is a result of the growing population of Chinese people in Australia, which has led to a variety of Chinese restaurants serving highly authentic dishes. However, due to historical conflicts between the two countries, Chinese chefs had to adjust their menus to suit Western tastes and not compete directly with white-owned establishments. This has resulted in a unique blend of Chinese and Western cuisines, with deep-fried and saucy dishes like sweet and sour pork, sticky lemon chicken, and dim sim becoming popular.
The roots of Australian-Chinese cuisine can be traced back to the 19th century when indentured Chinese workers were brought to Australia and worked as cooks in country pubs and sheep stations. The explosion of migrant numbers during the gold rushes meant that by 1890, a third of all cooks were Chinese. Most early migrants were from Guangdong province, so Cantonese cuisine became the chief influence, with stir-fried vegetables, smoked fish, and more meat than usual in traditional recipes.
Over time, the increasing diversity of Chinese immigration and the evolving tastes of Australians led to a wider range of authentic Chinese dishes becoming popular. The rise of social media and travel also played a role in expanding the Australian palate. As a result, cities like Sydney and Melbourne now offer a variety of regional Chinese cuisines, including Anhui, Fujian, Shandong, and Sichuan.
While traditional Chinese menus in Australia consisted of dishes like lemon chicken, beef and black bean, and sweet and sour pork, the contemporary Chinese food scene has evolved. Authentic Chinese dishes like Xinjiang's sizzling lamb skewers, Yunnan's wild mushroom soup, and Guanxi's snail noodle soup can now be found in Australian cities. Additionally, the influence of international students and their families has transformed the food landscape, with regional Chinese cuisines becoming more accessible.
Australian-Chinese cuisine has developed over more than a century, blending traditional Chinese flavours with Western influences to create a unique culinary experience. While some critics argue that it is inauthentic, others embrace it as a delicious and comforting part of Australia's food culture.
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Australian public opinion on China as an economic partner or military threat
According to a 2025 Lowy Institute poll, Australian public opinion on China is divided, with 50% viewing it as an economic partner and 47% as a security threat. While this indicates a slight improvement since 2022, trust and confidence in China remain low. A strong majority of Australians (69%) believe it is 'somewhat likely' or 'very likely' that China will become a military threat within the next 20 years. This perception has shifted significantly since 2018, when less than half (45%) of Australians viewed China as a potential military threat.
The Australian government has acknowledged the complex nature of its relationship with China, recognising the need for diplomatic engagement and constructive cooperation. However, concerns have been raised about aspects of China's behaviour, including its military cooperation with Russia and actions towards the Philippines and Taiwan. A majority of Australians (60%) favour increased cooperation with allies to deter China's potential use of military force.
The relationship between China and Australia has a long history, with strong economic, political, and cultural ties. China is Australia's biggest trading partner, with bilateral trade worth A$105 billion in 2010-2011. The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement has been in effect since 2015, and China is the fifth-largest foreign direct investor in Australia, with investments totalling $47 billion in 2023. Chinese Australians have been a significant minority group in the country since the Qing dynasty, and Australia has a substantial Chinese investment portfolio, particularly in the mining sector.
However, tensions have arisen in recent years due to concerns about Chinese political influence in various sectors of Australian society, including the government, universities, and media. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these tensions, with Australia calling for an independent inquiry into the origins of the disease, leading to trade policy changes by China that were perceived as political retaliation and economic coercion. These events, along with China's stance on the South China Sea dispute, have contributed to a deterioration of bilateral relations since 2018.
Despite the complex dynamics, Australians tend to differentiate between the Chinese government and its people. When asked about China, Australians frequently mention the country's political system, human rights issues, and the Chinese government's response to COVID-19. Human rights abuses, lack of freedoms, and government repression are among the key concerns associated with China in the minds of Australians.
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Australian-Chinese relations
Australia and China have strong economic and cultural ties, with Chinese Australians being a significant minority group in the country since the Qing dynasty. The two countries have had diplomatic relations since 1941, and in 2014, the Australian Prime Minister and Chinese President agreed to describe their relationship as a "comprehensive strategic partnership".
However, relations between the two countries have been strained in recent years due to growing concerns about Chinese political influence in Australia and China's stance on the South China Sea dispute. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these tensions, especially after Australia called for an international inquiry into the origins of the virus. China's subsequent changes to its trade policies have been seen as political retaliation and economic coercion against Australia. Despite these issues, the Australian government remains committed to a mutually beneficial and respectful relationship with China.
In terms of public opinion, a 2025 Lowy Institute poll found that Australian views on China are nearly evenly divided, with 50% viewing it as an economic partner and 47% as a security threat. Trust in China remains low, with many Australians concerned about human rights abuses and a lack of freedoms in the country. When asked about China, Australians tend to focus on its political system and government rather than its people.
Historically, consular relations between the Qing dynasty and Australia were first established in 1909. In the 1920s and 1930s, there was an upsurge in bilateral relations, with high-level visits and the establishment of trade commissions. After the Chinese Civil War, Australia continued to recognise the Republic of China (ROC) government in Taiwan until 1972 when it switched recognition to the People's Republic of China (PRC).
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Frequently asked questions
Australians generally have negative views of China, with a score of 32 out of 100 in a 'warm feelings' survey. However, this sentiment is directed towards the Chinese government rather than its people.
Australians frequently mention China's political system when discussing the country, using labels such as "undemocratic", "authoritarian", and "oppressive". A quarter of Australians also associate China with human rights abuses, specifically a lack of freedom in the form of government repression and censorship.
While there has been an alarming surge in anti-Asian violence in Australia, community members attribute this to the pandemic, Donald Trump's rhetoric, souring trade relationships, and a political atmosphere that encourages a 'creeping distrust' of Australians of Chinese heritage.
Public sentiment in China towards Australia has cooled in recent years, with a 'warm feelings' score of 40-47 out of 100. This negative perception is influenced by income and education level, with lower-income and less educated respondents expressing stronger negative sentiments.
Younger Australians have warmer feelings towards China compared to older Australians, which may bode well for the future of China-Australia relations.
