A human rights student-activist who has been singled out for criticism by Beijing's patriotic media said his case risks creating a ''chilling effect'' on free expression within Australia.

The Global Times published an article contending that Australian students support the expulsion of Drew Pavlou, who is facing 11 allegations of misconduct at the University of Queensland for criticising the university's strong ties with Beijing.

University of Queensland student Drew Pavlou is facing 11 allegations of misconduct. Credit:Attila Csaszar

''I’m 20 years old and a nuclear-armed superpower has officially condemned me,'' said Pavlou, a UQ student, after Global Times, a daily newspaper closely linked to the Communist Party of China, published the article calling him an ''anti-China rioter''.

The article in China's media followed complaints about his protest activities and comments on social media. The university has alleged Pavlou's activities contravened integrity and harassment policies in place as well as the student charter.