In brief
As Australia's election nears, opposition candidates are targeting Chinese Australian voters through social media channels like WeChat and RedNote, striving to reverse the political shift experienced in the last election. Despite their declining chances, Liberal candidates are ramping up efforts to connect with this demographic, acknowledging their growing political influence.
With the clock ticking down to the Australian elections, the opposition is channeling its efforts to lure back a vital demographic: Chinese Australian voters. This group had previously distanced itself from the Liberal-National coalition during the 2022 elections, leading to a significant political upset. To reconnect with this community, candidates are abandoning prior apprehensions about national security associated with Chinese social media platforms, opting to engage directly on WeChat and RedNote instead.Polls from the Lowy Institute reveal that approximately 60% of Chinese Australians engage with WeChat daily. Grange Chung, a candidate vying for the New South Wales seat of Reid, recently embraced this medium, sharing heartfelt messages about his family's immigrant experience and eagerness to serve Australia. Despite being only 5.5% of the populace, the Chinese Australian vote proved pivotal in the Labor party's victory last election, ushering in a new political era after nearly a decade of Liberal-National leadership.In the wake of their electoral struggles, the Liberal party has increased its efforts to appeal to voters in key constituencies such as Burwood, known for its large Chinese-speaking population. International relations and the handling of racial issues during the pandemic have influenced this community's voting tendencies, with the Coalition experiencing significant losses in areas with substantial Chinese demographics.Candidates like Chung are not alone on this front. A recent study noted a dramatic uptick in Liberal ads on WeChat, with over 220 approved advertisements since January compared to 35 for the opposing Labor party. This numerical shift underscores the increased attention to this demographic, which, as Henry Luo, a Reid resident points out, engages in substantial discourse on WeChat, highlighting its effectiveness for political outreach.Additionally, non-Chinese politicians are joining the fray, showcasing cultural engagement through posts that celebrate Chinese festivals and cuisine, extending their reach to the Chinese Australian electorate. However, experts warn that mere visibility on these platforms may not translate into votes. Qiuping Pan, a scholar in Chinese Studies, notes a maturation in this voting bloc's political awareness, with many likely considering independent candidates who may resonate more authentically with local issues.Yet, frustrations persist within the community, who express concerns about being viewed merely as a source of votes. Some like Sydney resident Erin Chew criticize the ongoing prejudiced narratives that reduce their political participation to suspicion, indicated by controversial remarks made by politicians. In marginal seats such as Bennelong, where one-third of the population is of Chinese descent, candidates are ensuring their messages are linguistically accessible. Scott Yung, another Liberal contender, uses Mandarin translations in his WeChat posts, addressing vital topics such as the nuanced relationship between Australia and China, a key concern for many in the community. For some voters, however, the Liberal party's recent social media blitz conflicts with their anti-migrant rhetoric. Concerns about proposed cuts to immigration and international student numbers, highlighted by coalition leader Peter Dutton, contribute to anxieties around their community's future in Australia.
