Local users on Chinese social media platforms WeChat suggest that the Chinese Consulate may have adopted a 'rent-a-crowd' publicity approach to the Chinese Premier Keqiang Li's scheduled public appearance to watch an AFL game along with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Sydney on Saturday as part of the Premier's five-day tour of Australia.
As the trending question "Will you go to welcome the Premier?" divides Chinese Australians on social media, SBS Mandarin brings you some insight to the discussion.
As China's second most powerful leader's tour down under (the first tour by a Chinese Premier in eight years) becomes a daily topic of discussion among local Chinese Australians this week, posts and discussions calling out for Chinese community members in Sydney to team up and welcome Premier Li have emerged on Chinese language social media WeChat.
"The objectives of organisers are clear: that is to create a warm atmosphere and to oppress or shout out untuneful voices from Tibet independence and Falungong protesters."
Messages containing details of venues and time arrangement, as well as registration information, were swiftly circulated among different chat groups which have been set up by many Chinese Australians organisations and associations for efficient communication and networking.
Rumours on WeChat suggest that the Consulate-General of China in Sydney and a local pro-China organization, the Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China (ACPPRC) have been endorsing and encouraging this organisation, however SBS Mandarin has not found any evidence to prove that they are funding it.
Jaylin Mao, president of the Australia Sichuan Chongqing Business Council that is involved in organizing welcoming crowds, told SBS Mandarin Radio on air that as Australian citizens with a Chinese background, they are all excited to see Australia China relationship enhanced, and therefore "everyone is actively volunteering" to welcome Premier Li to visit Sydney.
Welcoming crowds in Sydney street Source: sbs manarin
One anonymous user also told SBS Mandarin on WeChat, after we did a shout out for audience opinions, that as far as he knew, his organisation is doing it genuinely and voluntarily.
One commenter on WeChat, Vincent explains that attended such activities when Chinese president Xi Jinping visited Australia and says, "The objectives of organisers are clear: that is to create a warm atmosphere and to oppress or shout out untuneful voices from Tibet independence and Falungong protesters."
He adds, "The ultimate goal is to make the senior leaders happy."
Another commenter Bin comments that the Chinese government and those associations who organise such welcoming events have the aim of putting on a show. "When do you see Australian expats put up a banner to welcome Australian Prime Minister's visit in their countries?"
"When do you see Australian expats put up a banner to welcome Australian Prime Minister's visit in their countries?"
But another listener Mr Chen argues that similar organising is also seen in Australia, suggesting the ANZAC Day parade is officially organised but that participation is voluntary.
"You can choose to participate or not as individual. But you shouldn't oppose everything that the Chinese government does," he says.
SBS Mandarin filmed the video below featuring a combination of both welcoming and protesting crowds, divided by the main street near Sydney's Martin Place with intense police presence.
Another WeChat user Ning doubted that Premier Li himself would like to be welcomed this way.
Meanwhile others complained after the announcement of the closure of the Consulate's local Visa Services while the Premier is in town. Notably, it was only the Sydney-based branch of the Visa Application Service Centre that announced they would be closing while Premier Li is in Sydney "due to temporary working arrangements".
SBS Mandarin reached out to the Chinese Consulate and Chinese Embassy, but they were unable to be reached for comment.
The announcement of a three-day closure was posted to the website of the Consulate-General of China in Sydney. The reason given was "due to temporary working arrangements" Source: Consulate - General of China in Sydney website
