China issues travel warning to citizens asking them not to travel to Australia

The Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism has issued a travel alert to its citizens warning them not to travel to Australia due to a significant increase in racist attacks on "Chinese and Asian people.

The statement issued on Friday said the alleged attacks came in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

The statement read that due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, racial discrimination and violence against Chinese and Asian people in Australia have seen a significant increase.

The warning came after China's state-run tabloid Global Times published an editorial warning Chinese students to be cautious about studying in Australia.

There have been anecdotal reports of people of Asian appearance experiencing increased racism in the wake of COVID-19.

Last month, China announced an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley and blacklisted four major beef exporters due to labelling violations.

[Source: ABC]