The falsified image of an Australian soldier, posted to social media by the Chinese Communist Party Government is shameful and offensive to all Australians.
This evening I hosted a teleconference with Chinese Australian community leaders from around the country and every one of them was just as appalled by the fake image.
The post does not reflect the views of the more than 1.2 million Australians of Chinese heritage who have chosen to make Australia their home.
Today’s actions by the CCP should not diminish our respect for and appreciation of our Chinese Australian community or indeed our friendship with the people of China.
The differences between our governments do not take away from the contribution that generations of Chinese migrants have made to Australia.
Australia has welcomed migrants from China for more than two hundred years and Australians of Chinese background have added immensely to our nation.
Our Chinese Australian community will continue to play an important role in ensuring we remain a successful, multicultural nation.
