Despite deteriorating relations between Australia and China, most Australians view the Chinese regime more negatively than the public, according to the Pew Research Center.
investigation report release On September 26, we asked Australians to describe in their own words the first thing that comes to mind when they think of China. Researchers analyzed his 1,127 responses he received, focusing on the most frequently mentioned topics.
Among the top-listed themes, ‘China’s political system’ was the first thing that came to mind for 29% of Australian adults. Some respondents directly criticized the Chinese regime, describing it as a “threat to the world” or a “threat.” totalitarian one-party state. ”
One Australian woman described China as “a country that ignores the rules, a country that wants to rule the world, [and] Bullies who used Australia as an example to other countries, they will punish you if you cross them.
Although the Chinese regime received mostly negative evaluations from respondents, only 4% expressed a negative view of the Chinese people compared to 4% who described the Chinese people in a positive Only 1%, the report said.
Relations between Australia and China began to sour in 2018 due to growing concerns over China’s influence in Australian politics, media, universities and various key sectors. Relations between the two countries soured in 2020 when Australia called for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, and China responded by imposing new tariffs.
Post-2020, as the trade dispute with China continues, survey results show that most Australians are wisely channeling their negative assessments of Beijing’s regime rather than Chinese citizens.
Differences in public perception of wealthy Chinese
Australian public opinion generally seemed more welcoming to Chinese, but recent calls to scrap the country’s Significant Investor Visa (SIV) program have discouraged wealthy Chinese who used their money to enter Australia. It depicts the differing public perceptions of immigration.
The Australian government abolishes the Significant Investor Visa (SIV) program, a fast money-based pathway to permanent residency in Australia, where 84.9% of visas issued during 2012 were granted to wealthy Chinese. He said it was almost certain that he would. And in 2020.
No English language test, age limit, or business skills assessment is required to apply for SIV. The main criterion is to invest A$5 million in certain Australian investments such as Balanced Funds and maintain investment activity in the country.
The program was established by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard in November 2012 to provide a pathway for immigrants to make significant investments in Australia under the Business Innovation and Investment Visa Program.
SIV applications are usually approved within one year. You can also include family members such as your spouse and children under the age of 18 in your application.
according to Ministry of the Interiorfrom 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020, 84.8% of visas were granted to applicants from mainland China, also the lowest percentage since 2012.
From November 2012 to June 2015, 90.1% of visas were granted to visitors from mainland China.
The controversial program has generated a lot of concern and debate over the past few years.
controversial program
Chinese billionaire Huang Sagami lost his visa in December 2018 after being granted permanent residency.according to Australian persona local newspaper, he was one of the few people whose visa was revoked for character reasons, citing the “reliability of the answers” he provided.
Australian security services were reportedly deeply concerned about his ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and alleged donations to certain Australian political figures.
The move to cancel Huang’s visa was called “Canberra’s most aggressive move yet against China’s campaign of influence in Australia”. Australian Financial Review (AFR).
Huang has been a major donor to both sides of Australia for five years and has been seen attending functions with top Labor and Liberal Party leaders.
However, the AFR report said Mr Huang denied allegations that he influenced the Australian political process.
Home Secretary Claire O’Neill told Sky News on Sept. 11:
O’Neill also said the SIV program could be phased out after a review of the immigration system scheduled for February 2023.
“At this point, I don’t see much reason to keep it as part of our program,” she added.
Discussions about the future of visa programs
O’Neil said SIV has become a problem in the immigration system, but Feng Chongyi, an associate professor at University of Technology Sydney, argued that a better approach would be to revise SIV application requirements. did.
“In a controlled business environment under Chinese Communist Party scrutiny, it is difficult for business people to have clean hands, but not all business people have innate ferocity. It would be a shame if they decided to ban it. Revising the requirements for SIV applications would be a better solution,” Feng told the Epoch Times.
“China’s private enterprises have contributed to people’s livelihoods in the country, including employment. But if they choose to cut ties with the CCP, we should leave a way for them to leave China.”
“There should be an exit for Chinese Communist Party officials if they want change,” Feng argued.
Meanwhile, Abul Rizvi, the former undersecretary of immigration, wants SIV to be scrapped, The Australian reported.
“In a regime like China, people who are wealthy and well-connected, even if they do all sorts of bad things, probably don’t have a criminal record,” Rizvi said.
The report added that 2,370 “ultra-rich” Chinese nationals have obtained primary visas, bringing more than 5,000 family members to Australia.
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Kathleen Li has been writing for The Epoch Times since 2009, focusing on China-related topics. She is an Engineer and qualified in Civil and Structural Engineering in Australia.