China warns students in Australia on safety

MELBOURNE: After India, it's now China that has raised concerns about the safety and security of its students in Australia following a vicious road rage attack on four students on the Gold Coast.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has warned its students in Australia to be "cautious about their security," The Australian reported today.

In the third such warning, Beijing said the assault late last month on one of the young students was so severe he suffered a broken cheekbone, the report said.

Three young Gold Coast men are facing four counts each of assault occasioning bodily harm after the latest attack.

Five men are alleged to have pulled up to the vehicle and assaulted the Chinese students, it said.

The 17-year-old male driver, from Varsity Lakes, has also been charged with drink-driving.

The concern from China follows protests in India, Melbourne and Sydney prompted by perceptions of racist violence against Indians in Australia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the Australian government took its responsibility for providing a safe destination for overseas students very seriously, but the Chinese ministry warning was in line with usual practice.