You are not far off. China used Chinese students in Australia as a pawn in geopolitics to support the regime.
The previous generation of ethnic Chinese is better integrated, but the new generation is very patriotic and loyal to the communist party.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/hundreds-gather-in-sydney-for-po...
The West always hoped China would turn into a democracy, but that turned out to be an illusion. As long as maximising profits regardless of the consequences is a priority, this will continue.
It's often forgotten that China is and has always been playing the long game where in the West policies can change after the next election.