The Facts
- The number of Chinese-Australians who reported being called offensive names dropped to 21% in 2022, compared to 31% in 2020, according to a new poll from the Sydney-based Lowy Institute.
- The Lowy Institute has conducted annual polls to gauge Chinese-Australians’ opinions of the country since Australia and China fell on bad terms at the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020.
- Chinese-Australians also reported reduced rates of being physically threatened due to their heritage last year, with the figure falling from 18% to 14%. An overwhelming majority of 92% also rated Australia as a “very good place to live,” up from 77% in 2020.
Sources Split
LEFT
CENTER
RIGHT
+1
ESTAB
CRIT
CENTER
PRO
ESTAB
The Spin
Narrative A
Australia has done an excellent job managing the delicate diplomatic tensions with China while considering the daily experience of its citizens with Chinese heritage. Although COVID put a strain on Australia’s relationship with China, misplaced racial animosity from the pandemic seems to be in the past.
Narrative B
Although it’s promising that Chinese-Australians are reporting less racism compared to years past, there are still far too many instances of racially motivated abuse. Discrimination should never be tolerated, and 21% of Chinese-Australians reporting that they were called offensive names is unacceptable. Australia must continue its progress toward equality and fair treatment.
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 7.18.3