The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Sunday a survey conducted by the Per Capita think tank had documented 386 racist incidents - ranging from abuse to physical intimidation and spitting - since April 2.
China has imposed tariffs on Australian barley imports and blocked some beef imports, though Beijing has denied its actions are connected to the COVID-19 dispute.
Australia has also spoken out over China’s proposed national security laws for Hong Kong, which critics say undermines freedom in the former British colony.
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The Australian dollar slipped further on Tuesday on the Chinese education ministry’s warning, falling 1% to $0.6951.
About 10% of university students in Australia are from China, and deliver the industry about A$12 billion a year in fees.
Universities Australia declined to comment on the warning, saying it was a matter for the governments of Australia and China.
