China has angrily rejected Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton remarks at National Press Club with warning that relationship with Australia will never promoted if the Australian Government bases its national strategy on such visionless analysis and outdated mentality.
Peter Dutton Friday gave a hawkish speech at NPC warning about threat posed by China suggesting that he would be willing to send Australian troops to fight and die over Taiwan.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Australia said Mr Dutton’s NPC address was ‘fanning conflict and division’.
Mr Dutton warned Chinese missiles can reach every Australian city.
“Over the next decade, China’s nuclear warhead stockpiles, estimated to be in the 200s last year, is projected to reach between 700 and 1,000 warheads and every major city in Australia, including Hobart, is within range of China’s missiles”, he told the National Press Club.
He warned that China would only expand its power further if it reclaimed Taiwan.
Mr Dutton said Australia’s main desire was to secure peace through deterring China from aggression, with the help of other neighbouring countries.
“If China took control of Taiwan, it would then quickly seize other disputed areas, including the Senkaku Islands, which are claimed by both China and Japan.
A spokesperson of Chinese Embassy in Canberra on November 26 criticises Mr Dutton remarks saying Peter Dutton continued preaching his quixotic misunderstanding of China’s foreign policy, distorting China’s efforts to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Spokesperson also slammed Peter Dutton for misguiding the Australian people on regional situations and priorities, and fanning conflict and division between peoples and nations.
“It is inconceivable that China-Australia relationship will take on a good momentum or the overall interest of regional countries, including that of Australia, will be better promoted if the Australian Government bases its national strategy on such visionless analysis and outdated mentality”, spokesperson warned in a statement.
