Two teenagers have faced court after three Chinese high school students were allegedly bashed at a bus station in Canberra.
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Police said the international students were attacked on Monday night at Woden bus interchange.
Friends of the victims told Fairfax a group had approached the students asking for cigarettes. When they declined, they were allegedly attacked. One victim was believed to have been hospitalised but was now recovering at home.
Two youths, who were not international students, had since been arrested in connection with the assault and put before the ACT Children's Court.
As investigations continue, police said patrols around public transport had also been stepped up throughout Canberra.
"In response to the incident, ACT Policing have engaged with the Chinese community," police said in a statement overnight.
ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said she was very concerned about the assault, and the education directorate had spoken directly with all students involved.
"This is an isolated incident - the ACT community welcomes international students and visitors to our city," she said.
On Thursday evening, victims of the attack, along with their Australian guardians, attended a workshop on personal safety run by the directorate with ACT Policing.
Liberal MLA Elizabeth Lee said she was horrified to hear about the violence at Woden and wished the victims a speedy recovery.
"I understand that the students are receiving appropriate support...[but] I also want them to know that Canberra is an inclusive society that values diversity," she said.
"I have heard reports every now and then [of racial attacks], thankfully most of those reports have been verbal abuse not physical.
"In saying that, racism in whatever manner it is expressed is unacceptable."
International students are an important part of Canberra's school community, Ms Berry said, and the directorate worked closely with them to ensure they felt comfortable and happy.
"Sometimes students living away from home need different or extra support and if this incident shows up any improvements we should make to the way support is provided we'll make them," she said.
With Emily Baker and Ellen McCutchan
