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In a tight Australian election, a Chinese app could make a difference
In the lead-up to Australia's upcoming election, politicians like Labor's Jerome Laxale are leveraging Chinese social media platforms like Xiaohongshu to connect with Chinese Australians, a key voter demographic, following their significant influence in the 2022 elections against the backdrop of strained relations with China.
Key points
- Jerome Laxale won the Sydney seat of Bennelong in 2022 due to support from Chinese Australian voters upset with Scott Morrison's government.
- Chinese Australians are seen as a crucial voting bloc for the upcoming elections.
- Laxale utilizes social media platforms, specifically Xiaohongshu and WeChat, to engage and appeal to this demographic.
- He has distributed 30,000 QR-coded red envelopes, directing voters to his social media accounts.
Why it matters
- The 2022 Australian elections highlighted the increasing political influence of immigrant communities, specifically Chinese Australians.
- The growing importance of digital platforms and social media for political campaigns aligns with the trend of leveraging technology for voter engagement seen in global politics.
- By 2025, the use of social media and targeted digital strategies is expected to become even more critical as demographics shift and more voters rely on online platforms for information.
The strategic use of platforms like Xiaohongshu by Australian politicians illustrates the evolving nature of election campaigns in response to demographic changes and digital engagement, highlighting the increasing importance of targeting diverse voter bases.