Politics

The Daily Tele Is Again Being Accused Of Racism For A Front Page Story On China

"Could you come up with a more adorable racist slur than 'panda huggers'?"

by Rachael Conaghan  27 August 2020
Daily Telegraph

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The Daily Telegraph has again been accused of racism because of a front page headline that, well, is pretty racist.

Their story covers new legislation which allows the federal government to veto agreements with foreign nations, something that looks set to affect a number of existing deals we have with our largest trading partner, China.

To help convey this, the wordsmiths at the Tele decided to go with a headline that referred to “panda huggers”. It’s a decision they’re being slammed for.

The term “panda hugger” is usually used to refer to people who support China.

The accompanying story is on new measures which allow the federal government to cancel agreements that the states and territories have made with foreign nations.

New legislation, to be unveiled today, will allow the Foreign Minister to scrap any agreement if they believe it adversely affects Australia’s objectives — and they’re reviewing every existing deal between states, universities and councils.

This includes a long list of Chinese projects including their controversial Belt and Road Initiative, an estimated $1.5 trillion policy to invest in infrastructure projects and establish trade routes around the world. Victoria signed a memorandum of understanding with China to work together on initiatives back in 2018.

The trade relationship between China and Australia has gotten pretty tense recently — the Chinese crackdown on Hong Kong protesters, Australia’s push for an inquiry into the origins of coronavirus, and an ongoing trade dispute that’s now affecting our beef, barley and wine are just some of the issues that have strained the friendship recently.

The story also comes as Australia plays host to Wang Xining, a senior Chinese diplomat who yesterday spoke at the National Press Club in Canberra.

If you’re looking for panda content that’s a bit more wholesome, please enjoy this video of some adorable cubs causing absolute havoc.