Zhao Lijian

 
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said foreigners in China have no need to worry as long as they obey the law, and their legitimate rights and interests are guaranteed in accordance with law, refuting a warning by the Australian government that their residents could face “arbitrary detention” if they go to the Chinese mainland.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of the foreign ministry, said on Tuesday at a press conference that the Chinese government has always guaranteed the safety and legitimate rights and interests of foreigners in China in accordance with law.

Foreigners in China have no need to worry about their safety and legitimate rights and interests as long as they obey the law, Zhao noted.

Zhao urged Australia to maintain an objective and fair attitude, be discreet in its words and deeds and do more things conducive to the development of China-Australia relations.

Zhao’s comment came after the Australian government on Tuesday issued a new travel warning against China, saying Australians could face “arbitrary detention” if they go to the Chinese mainland.

The China-Australia relationship is at its worst moment in the past two decades.

China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a travel alert on June 5, warning Chinese people not to travel to Australia, as the country has seen a significant rising trend of racial discrimination and violence against Chinese and other Asian people due to the pandemic.

China's Ministry of Education issued an alert on June 9 to Chinese students who are about to study, or prepare to return to Australia for their studies, after the country saw a spike in racial discrimination against Chinese people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.