Prominent Chinese Australians express concern about rise in racial abuse amid virus outbreak

Prominent Chinese Australians are calling for unity and expressing concern about the recent rise in racial abuse targeting the Asian community amid the coronavirus outbreak.

"We are deeply concerned that the recent rise in anti-Chinese sentiment is driving a marked escalation in racial abuse towards Asian Australians. This poses a serious threat to our national unity," the group of 16 wrote in an open letter dated April 8.

The leaders from business, science, the arts and entertainment included former Australian of the Year John Yu, Chinese Australian Forum president Jason Yat-sen Li, and chef and TV presenter Adam Liaw.

"As Australians of Chinese heritage, we have been shocked by footage of the vilification of Asian Australians that has circulated globally across social media with many of the victims targeted because of their Asian appearance," they wrote.

The group cited an Australian Human Rights Commission February report stating that one in four people who lodged racial discrimination complaints in the past two months said they were targeted due to COVID-19.

"Australians are being targeted because of their Asian heritage or appearance and we cannot allow this disturbing trend to continue unchallenged. We ask for fairness in our national debate, our media reporting and in our communities," the group wrote.

"Chinese and other Asian Australians have been in Australia since the 1800s. They have helped to build this nation, fought for Australia in both World Wars and are deeply loyal citizens."

As Australia "battles the virus facing a shortage of personal protective equipment, Chinese Australians have been sourcing and donating large quantities of medical supplies to Australia, alongside other generous organizations and individuals," they said.

It is "essential that the distrust, disenfranchisement and vilification of Asian Australians not be tolerated at any level," the group wrote.

"To allow abuse of any group to occur in our current crisis, jeopardizes Australia's social cohesion at the time when we need it most."