Chinese Australian community fears 'guilt by association' amid worsening diplomatic relations

 Chinese communities in Australia have been divided over Canberra and Beijing's worsening relations, with some people feeling like they are getting caught in the middle.

Key points:

Some community members want Australia to stand up to the Chinese Communist Party

There's a growing fear about voicing opinions in support of Beijing

Others are worried racist abuse might increase due to the tensions

John Hugh, a former councillor in Paramatta who was originally from Shanghai, told the ABC that relations were now the worst he had seen in 30 years.

Mr Hugh is an outspoken critic of the Chinese Communist Party and its alleged interference in Australia, and has previously been denied entry to China.

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"I think it's at the worst point since the two countries established a diplomatic relationship," he said, adding that he felt Chinese authorities were to blame.

Read more: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-18/guilt-by-association-chinese-community-foreign-interference/12673800