Of Red's 150 million active users, almost 700,000 are based in Australia. That presents both opportunities and risks for Australian politicians.
Some Australian politicians are using the emerging Chinese social media platform Red to engage with Chinese-speaking constituents.
So as Australia eyes local, state and federal elections, candidates have been using Red to spread their messages to diaspora communities they have had difficulty reaching in the past.Melbourne Law School's Fan Yang, who studies the role of Chinese social media in Australian politics, said politicians were avoiding posting about certain topics on Red.
Red brands itself as a lifestyle platform but it has also become a forum to discuss topics ranging from social issues to politics. However, the only post on Red on any of those topics during the 10-month period came from federal Labor member for Tangney in Perth, Sam Lim. Dr Yang said Chinese-language-speaking voters "might make uninformed political decisions" if they were mostly getting information from Red and WeChat, another Chinese social media platform.
"We had community forums and meetings that have begun from messages on Red," he said, explaining that major themes he posted about were aged care and interpreting services for accessing local health services. The platform's user agreement outlines a list of "undesirable information" that can result in users being banned.
"It's sensible for politicians to think about the nature of their audience and to shape their message so it's attractive and of interest to their audience. That's OK, it's totally ethical," he said. "Much of that information comes from Twitter and was originally in English. Some people have been deliberately grabbing that kind of thing and repackaging it, targeting the Chinese community."
Red Xiaohongshu Chinese Social Media Wechat Campaign Election Vote MP Nick Reece Keith Wolahan Scott Morrison
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chinese trade restrictions on Australian lobsters to be lifted before Chinese New YearThe prime minister received an assurance from Chinese Premier Li Qiang at a meeting in Laos.
Read more »
Chinese-Australian families using 'community group buying' to get better prices on their groceriesMany Australians are getting their groceries and household items using an arrangement known as 'community group buying' that became widespread in China during its strict pandemic lockdowns.
Read more »
Skywell Q: Chinese Cupra Born rival on Australian importer’s wishlist7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Leapmotor: Jeep-backed Chinese EV brand plots Australian onslaught7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Albanese’s major announcement on Australian lobster after meeting with Chinese PremierAustralian lobster exports are set to fully resume to China by the end of the year after Beijing finally agreed to lift its crushing trade impediments after four years.
Read more »
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to press Chinese Premier on lifting Australian lobster banAnthony Albanese says he&x27;s prepared for "direct discussions" with the second-most powerful man in China.
Read more »