Australia fears decline in Chinese students over ‘treason’ laws

"studying in Australia may not be as much of a safe and positive experience as before”. Universities need to make sure that studying is a safe experience for all students including Chinese whose views differ from official Chinese policy. Also including those from Taiwan, Hong Kong and countries that may be in conflict with China. Also minority Chinese such as those from Tibet and Xinjiang. This is only what you would expect in a pluralistic democracy. And while safety must be guaranteed for all, whether the experience is positive or not may depend on the student's willingness to open their mind to the perspectives of others, and be challenged on their own. Universities should not assume that all students will be easily able to do this, but should never pander to those that are unable to, or to hysterical opinion pieces from foreign tabloids. Universities need to view the educational "export product" they are selling as not just a certificate, but a mind broadening experience. If this means they accept reduced enrollments, then it will be worth it to not have their brand devalued.