Australian Opposition Targets Chinese Voters on Social Media Platforms

As Australia approaches its election, the opposition Liberal party is actively courting Chinese Australian voters, previously alienated due to perceived mistreatment during the pandemic. Utilizing platforms such as WeChat, candidates aim to engage this demographic despite ongoing tensions and criticisms regarding the Coalition's past anti-China rhetoric.

As Australia moves closer to its election, the opposition Liberal party is adopting an unexpected approach to garner votes from an essential demographic previously overlooked: Chinese Australians. After their support waned during the last election due to perceived insensitivity from the Conservative Liberal-National coalition, candidates are now actively engaging with these voters on Chinese social media platforms, including WeChat and RedNote, which they had previously criticized over national security concerns.

According to a 2022 poll by the Lowy Institute, nearly 60% of Chinese Australians utilize WeChat daily. Grange Chung, a candidate for the New South Wales seat of Reid, addressed potential voters via a WeChat video, expressing gratitude for the country that welcomed his family and asserting his commitment to public service. Historically, Chinese Australians made up just 5.5% of Australia's population, yet their votes proved vital in the Labor party’s win in 2022, leading to a significant shift in political power that had long favored the Liberal-National Coalition.

Analysts suggest that discontent over the Coalition's response to racist incidents during the pandemic and former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s anti-China stance have led to this shifting dynamic. As Liberal candidates grapple with dwindling prospects, they have intensified efforts to attract Chinese Australian votes in key marginal seats, including Reid and Burwood, an area colloquially known as Sydney's second Chinatown.

Chung, a former pilot, has been leveraging WeChat since February, sharing community-related messages and engaging with Asian business owners. His strategy reflects a notable trend, as over 220 Liberal adverts have emerged on WeChat compared to only 35 from the Labor party since the start of the year. Reid resident Henry Luo acknowledged increased targeting of Chinese voters, where political discussions flourish on WeChat, making it an effective communication tool for candidates seeking to navigate this crucial demographic.

Beyond traditional ethnic candidates, non-Chinese politicians are also crafting a presence on these platforms, with Liberal MP Keith Wolohan sharing personal moments centered around Chinese culture to connect with voters. However, experts warn that mere visibility on these platforms might not guarantee loyalty at the ballot box. Qiuping Pan, a Chinese Studies lecturer at the University of Melbourne, noted an emerging political awareness in the Chinese Australian community, emphasizing the potential for them to shift their support toward independent candidates who may better represent local interests.

Frustration within the community over being perceived solely as a voting bloc is palpable, with concerns about being sidelined in deeper political discourse, reflecting broader implications of racial perceptions in Australian politics. Candidates are acutely aware of these sentiments, especially in areas such as Bennelong, where a significant proportion of residents have Chinese ancestry.

Despite attempts to relate through social media, contradictions exist in the Coalition's messaging, especially regarding migration policies under leader Peter Dutton. For voters like restaurant worker Alex Wang, the juxtaposition of social outreach with stringent immigration stances creates a sense of anxiety, reflecting the complex relationship Chinese Australians have with mainstream politics and the implications of Australia's international relationships. As the election approaches, both parties will be watching these dynamics closely, aware that they could profoundly impact election outcomes.