QResear.ch

#20272188 at 2024-01-20 11:27:24 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #34: UNITED AGAINST THE INVISIBLE ENEMY OF ALL HUMANITY Edition

>>20251127
Fears of Tuvalu turning to recognition of China

WILL GLASGOW - JANUARY 20, 2024

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China has embarked on an extraordinary push into the Pacific after Taiwan's election, with Tuvalu's ambassador in Taipei telling The Weekend Australia there are fears that after its election next week his country could follow Nauru and switch recognition to Beijing.

The warning comes as Taiwan's Foreign Minister called for Canberra to step up co-operation with Taipei and gave The Weekend Australian his most detailed account of the promise of "unlimited assistance" Beijing made to secure Nauru.

Xi Jinping's government has intensified its global campaign to isolate Taiwan since its election last Saturday. China is smouldering after Taiwan's 23 million people defied warnings from Beijing and elected independence-leaning William Lai as its president.

Tuvalu ambassador Bikenibeu Paeniu told The Weekend Australian "sources from Tuvalu" had told him the micronation could follow Nauru and switch diplomatic recognition to Beijing after its election on January 26, next Friday.

"Rumours now are going that (Tuvalu) will follow suit," Mr Paeniu said in an interview at his office in Taipei.

The former Tuvalu prime minister called on Australia and its allies and partners to closely watch the situation and to step up their support of the island nation.

"They should be serious. They should be proactive. They should do their part," he said.

Mr Paeniu said Beijing had been highly active in Tuvalu since the Pacific country's last election in late 2019.

After that election, Tuvalu's then foreign minister revealed that Chinese companies had made approaches about working on a $600m ($US400m) artificial island project.

The Pacific Island nation of 11,000 people is at extreme risk of being submerged in the coming decades as sea levels rise.

The Chinese offer was rebuffed, but sources in Taipei have said a similar proposal has been made again in the lead-up to next week's election.

"China has not just been sitting around ... It's really sad how one nation and government try to impose their mindsets and way of life," Mr Paeniu said.

Nauru's sudden switch to Beijing was revealed on Monday, less than 48 hours after Taiwan's election.

It leaves Taiwan with just 12 formal diplomatic allies.

In his first media interview after the switch, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told The Weekend Australian the amount Beijing had promised to pay Nauru was higher than had been reported.

Mr Wu said Beijing had promised Nauru more than just the payment to cover a budget cut left by the reduced use of Australia's offshore immigration processing facility, worth around $125m a year.

"China has promised the difference of that financial income out of the refugee processing centre, and also told the Nauru elite, or Nauru leader, that they would give everything that the Nauruan government would request," Mr Wu said, in an interview in the Foreign Ministry's headquarters in Taipei.

"It's a promise of unlimited assistance to Nauru."

Funding for the Australian asylum-seeker processing centre on Nauru varies depending on how many people are detained. In recent years, around $350m a year has been budgeted for the centre, down from $485m when there were more asylum-seekers there.

Taiwan's top diplomat said Taipei, Canberra and Washington had been in discussions about how to address the funding fall, which had left a major hole in Nauru's budget.

"This is not the fault of Taiwan, Australia, or the United States - it's simply that China grabbed the opportunity," Mr Wu said.

He said Taipei was not aware of any bribes given to politicians in Nauru, but noted Beijing has a long track record of "elite capture".

"China is using those kinds of opportunities to influence elites through some not-so-legal means - business opportunities, or bribes, or things like that," Mr Wu said.

(continued)

#19637846 at 2023-09-30 13:02:06 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #32: YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS FIGHT Edition

>>19637842

2/2

While Australian wine exports are still banned by China, Mr Xiao was upbeat over the warming trade ties between the countries, with Australian coal, cotton, barley and timber now flowing into the Chinese market.

But he warned of the need for "flexibility", saying China remained concerned over its market access into Australia for wind turbines, railway wheels and stainless steel sheets.

"We need to respect each other, and we need to show flexibility, and show that we have the spirit. I think there will be a way to find a solution to these remaining issues," he said.

In Taiwan on Thursday, government officials revealed the delegation of eight Australian MPs led by Labor's Josh Wilson and Liberal Paul Fletcher had allowed Taipei to publicise the trip.

Previously, Australia had been an outlier among wealthy liberal democracies, insisting Taipei not disclose details of visits by sitting Australian politicians and prevent the release of photos of federal MPs meeting with Taiwan's leaders.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu on Thursday welcomed what he said was a positive development in Australian policy.

"I think this is a natural ?evolution of Australian policy or parliamentary policy for their interactions with Taiwan," Mr Wu told The Australian in Taipei.

"This kind of more openness in their interaction with Taiwan is highly welcome. We are natural partners even though Australia is very far away, but the two countries share the basic values of freedom, democracy and protection of human rights.

"And the two countries are also major trading partners to each other. Australia is also a major investor here in Taiwan ... It is necessary for the two sides to work closer with each other across all spectrums of relations. And we will continue to do that. Australia is a very important friend of Taiwan."

Liberal senator Claire Chandler, part of the delegation, said she hoped the more open approach was maintained on subsequent trips.

"It's only appropriate that these parliamentary delegations are conducted openly and transparently, and I welcome Foreign Minister Wu's warm reception of our delegation in Taipei," Senator Chandler said.

In his prepared address in Sydney, Mr Xiao sought to allay fears of a slowing Chinese economy, saying despite "very challenging" times, Beijing remained confident in the country's economic trajectory.

Invoking Gough Whitlam's historic visit to Beijing in 1973, Mr Xiao said Mr Albanese's visit to Beijing later this year would be "another historically significant visit".

"We're working very closely through diplomatic channels to discuss ... the details of the visit," he said. "(It) will lay down a solid foundation for the next 50 years of a friendly and good relationship with China and ?Australia."

He also called for "more independent Australian foreign policy", in a swipe at the Australia-US alliance.

"I hope that the Australian side will be more independent in making their decisions, because the relationship between China and Australia is in the interest of Australia (and) in the interest of Australian people."

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/scott-morrison-hits-back-at-china-envoy-over-taiwan-comments/news-story/c4389e6d8f232e5fb5f857f4e39cf406

#19188929 at 2023-07-16 09:42:14 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#30 - Part 67
Australia / China Tensions - Part 5
>>19051180 Parliamentary plea for former pilot's prison release - A supporter of an Australian citizen facing extradition to the US on conspiracy charges has called for his release from prison in an emotional speech to parliament. Former marine Daniel Duggan was arrested in October 2022 after the US government accused him of money laundering and committing offences under US arms export control laws. Mr Duggan's wife Saffrine and his friend Warwick Ponder were on the floor of the Senate on Thursday during a speech by the Greens' David Shoebridge urging the US to release him from custody, where he has been in solitary confinement. "In the last few weeks, he's seen the sky only a handful of times but has otherwise been locked up completely alone. There are grave concerns with Dan's wellbeing," Senator Shoebridge told parliament.
>>19069501 Taiwan calls on Australia to send military attache to Taipei over China threats - Taiwan's Foreign Minister has called on Canberra to install a military attache in the Australian Office in Taipei to help the two liberal democracies work together to prevent "the worst from happening" amid sustained threats of war from China. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told The Australian that President Tsai Ing-wen's government wanted Canberra to station a military officer in its de facto embassy in Taipei to liaise with Taiwanese security agencies, as countries including the US, Japan and Singapore have for decades. "I think it is very important when the Australian government is paying so much more attention to the regional security issues for the two countries to be able to share their observations, their assessment of the situation," he told The Australian in an exclusive interview in Taipei.
>>19069536 China virus researchers were working on defence projects, declassified US intelligence says - Wuhan Institute of Virology researchers were working on defensive and biosecurity projects for the Chinese military and were not taking adequate biosafety precautions while handling coronaviruses, intelligence declassified by the United States has confirmed. The intelligence report on the potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origin of the pandemic was released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence late on Friday US-time, when Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's visit to China had concluded. The report, which reveals the CIA is unable to determine whether a lab-leak or natural contact with an infected animal spawned the pandemic, was published after Congress voted unanimously to declassify the intelligence. - Sharri Markson - theaustralian.com.au
>>19087765 Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles landing in Solomon Islands for talks on the future of Australia's defence presence - Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has suggested Australian troops and police might stay in Solomon Islands beyond this year, in a sign the federal government could push for an enduring security presence in the Pacific Island nation. Mr Marles will land in the country's capital Honiara later today for a two-day visit, where he'll hold talks with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and meet Australian police and soldiers deployed there. Both Australian Defence Force and Australian Federal Police personnel were sent to Honiara in late 2021, when Mr Sogavare asked for help to restore order after major riots broke out. Last year China's government supplied dozens of motorbikes and two water cannon trucks to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, as well as expanding training programs for local police both in China and across multiple provinces in Solomon Islands.
>>19094004 Bondi man Alexander Csergo was warned to leave China by American contact he suspected was a spy - A Sydney businessman accused of selling Australian defence and security secrets in China was warned to leave the country immediately by an American contact who he suspected was a US intelligence operative, his lawyer told a Sydney court. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged the man, Alexander Csergo, 55, with one count of reckless foreign interference in April. Mr Csergo is the first person to be charged with the offence, which attracts a jail term of up to 15 years under laws introduced by the Turnbull government in 2018.

#19188866 at 2023-07-16 09:26:04 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#30 - Part 13
Australian Politics and Society - Part 13
>>19075501 Australia pledges $110 million in military and humanitarian support for Ukraine's battle against Russia - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced another military support package for Ukraine worth $110 million. Australia will send a further 70 military vehicles to Ukraine, including 28 armoured vehicles. It will also send artillery ammunition to Ukraine, and provide $10 million to the United Nations to help meet humanitarian needs in the country in the wake of Russia's invasion. Australia has already supplied Ukraine with support worth more than $650 million, including through providing Bushmaster armoured personnel carriers, drones and ammunition. Mr Albanese denied Australia's extra support for Ukraine was in response to an aborted mutiny in Russia at the weekend. He said Australia had offered additional support for Ukraine around every four months.
>>19075550 'I never was a spy': Space consultant denies she's a national security risk - An Irish space industry consultant detained in Australia after ASIO advised she posed a national security risk had repeated contact with a suspected Russian intelligence officer. An investigation by this masthead has identified the suspected Russian spy who ASIO has alleged tasked Irish national Marina Sologub with sharing sensitive information she gained by working in the space industry, first in Europe and then in Australia. In an exclusive interview on 60 Minutes, Sologub responded to the allegations levelled at her privately by ASIO - which refused to comment on her case - that she had been liaising with a suspected Russian intelligence officer who was working under diplomatic cover in Ireland. The officer has left Dublin and now works as a Russian trade official in Serbia. "He never told me, 'Marina, I'm Russian intelligence.' He was the junior guy," said Sologub, who arrived in Australia in 2020. "I never shared any information with him." - Nick McKenzie - theage.com.au
>>19079344 Musk's Twitter Faces Millions In Fines After New 'Disinformation' Laws Released In Australia - Elon Musk's Twitter and other social media giants face the prospect of billions in fines after the Australian government released new laws targeting "misinformation and disinformation." Following a months-long process, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland released the draft legislation that will grant the country's media regulatory body, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), greater powers to stamp out harmful content online.
>>19082405 Taiwan frustrated by Australia's decade-long trade snub over fears of China - Taiwan's government is frustrated by Australia's refusal to begin trade talks, as Anthony Albanese's China trip becomes the latest in a litany of reasons given for Canberra's decade-long snub of its fifth biggest trading partner. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said that before President Tsai Ing-wen's government was elected in 2016, it was told Australia wanted to sign a free-trade agreement with all of its major trading partners.
>>19094098 Corruption inquiry in Australia uncovers China links to state lawmaker - The former premier of Australia's most populous state engaged in corrupt conduct involving another lawmaker with whom she was in a secret romantic relationship, a years-long corruption inquiry that examined business dealings with China said on Thursday. The New South Wales Independent Commission into Corruption (ICAC) said in a report that Gladys Berejiklian had failed to notify the commission of her concerns that Daryl Maguire, a member of the state assembly with whom she was in a relationship during her term of office, may have engaged in corrupt conduct, and this undermined the ministerial code.
>>19103525 'Really angry': Jacinda Ardern's tensions with Scott Morrison revealed - New Zealand's High Commissioner to Australia has revealed the simmering tensions between Jacinda Ardern and the Morrison government over migration policies, saying the NZ Prime Minister at one point became "really angry" with Scott Morrison. In an interview with AAP ahead of her retirement in December, Annette King said the 501 deportation policy - under which Australia deported NZ criminals even if they had never lived in NZ - was a particular bone of contention. In 2020 Dame Jacinda confronted then PM Morrison over the policy, telling him in front of reporters: "Do not deport your people and your problems". "It certainly upset the Morrison government ... the previous government was angry with her for raising it (even though) she had already warned that she would," Dame Annette said. "She berated ScoMo on his treatment of New Zealanders. It was a really important signal back home to New Zealand."

#17386112 at 2022-08-13 08:47:14 (UTC+1)
Q Research Australia #25: My Koala Hates Spam Too Edition

>>17386111

2/2

The number of Taiwanese in favour of unification with China has dropped sharply over the past decade as China has become more authoritarian under President Xi Jinping.

The decline has frustrated Beijing and in a series of proposals designed to split the Taiwanese public and reward collaborators, the state council said on Wednesday that Taiwanese compatriots "who support reunification of the country and rejuvenation of the nation will be the masters of the region".

"The Taiwan compatriots are our flesh and blood, and the compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are a family whose blood is thicker than water," the white paper said.

But it warned that it reserved the option to take all necessary measures, targeting "the very few 'Taiwan independence separatists' and their separatist activities".

In a direct attack on the Democratic Progressive Party, the paper accused Tsai's government of being a key driver of the separatist movement and attempts "to prevent the Chinese nation's great rejuvenation".

"These are the obstacles that must be removed in advancing the process of peaceful reunification," the state council said.

Asked in Canberra if China planned to re-educate Taiwanese citizens after unifying it with the mainland, Xiao did not rule it out.

"Once Taiwan is reunited, coming back to the motherland, there might be a process for the people in Taiwan to have a correct understanding of China about the motherland," he said.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said on Tuesday that Taipei would not give into threats as China entered its second week of military exercises around the island.

"The reaction of the Taiwanese people and the Taiwanese government is that we stay resilient," he said. "The best way to deal with a regime which is trying to intimidate us is to show that we are not intimidated."

https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/china-plans-to-turn-taiwan-into-hong-kong-says-it-will-use-force-as-a-last-resort-20220810-p5b8rn.html

#17385759 at 2022-08-13 05:46:20 (UTC+1)
Q Research Australia #25: My Koala Hates Spam Too Edition

>>17385756

2/2

In his first major appearance before the Australian media, Mr Xiao blamed "negative" news coverage of his country for "harming the friendship between our two peoples".

He said detained Australian citizen Cheng Lei's rights were being protected under Chinese law - "Don't worry about that" - blaming Covid for long periods of isolation from relatives, legal ?advice and consular support.

After more than two years of trade tensions between the countries, Mr Xiao argued that Chinese bans on $20bn worth of Australian exports should not be described as "sanctions", but were instead the result of trade disputes, unhappy consumers and fears by Chinese companies of being blacklisted by Australia, as with Huawei and ZTE. He also sought to dismiss a dangerous mid-air incident in which an Australian P-8A maritime surveillance aircraft was ?aggressively challenged by a ?Chinese fighter jet in the South China Sea.

The Chinese plane set off flares and "chaff" countermeasures ahead of the Australian jet near the disputed Paracel Islands, which China claims as its own.

Mr Xiao said the close call was "very unfortunate", but likened it to someone "driving around, ?carrying a gun and trying to peep into your windows".

The ambassador used his first National Press Club address to continue Beijing's decades-long attempt to rewrite Australia's One-China policy. He said the "One-China principle is a solemn commitment by successive Australian governments", conflating Beijing's hardline position with Canberra's ambiguous one that allows substantial unofficial relations with Taipei.

Australia has always insisted that any change to the status quo must be peaceful and would require the consent of both sides. That policy - shared by Japan, the US and most wealthy ?countries - has allowed the Taiwanese space to create their ?vibrant democracy and dynamic economy.

In a major concession to Beijing, Australia's policy also says Taiwan is not allowed to formally declare its independence.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed there had been no change to Australia's policy on handling ?Taiwan. "Australia has a longstanding bipartisan One-China policy. There has been no change to this policy," it told The Australian in a statement.

Senator Wong declined to comment on the Chinese envoy's mischaracterisation of Australia's policy. ANU National Security College head Rory Medcalf said the ambassador's performance was "a bracing eye-opener for ... anyone who still imagined a reset was possible or desirable".

"A reset is a fantasy, thanks to all the issues he was implacable on," Professor Medcalf said.

"The (Albanese) government's agenda is sensibly more about stabilisation than reset, but even that will be permanently fragile."

Japan's ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, said his Chinese counterpart's comments were alarming. "Bluntly speaking, I was very surprised and not a little concerned by the speech made today, because I thought this was a good opportunity to reset their relationship with Australia," he told Sky News. "This is a time to de-escalate tensions. How come we have to see military exercises around ?Taiwan?

"How come missiles have to be shot over Taiwan into Japanese waters in response to the US Speaker of the house's visit to ?Taipei? This is beyond our ?com?prehension."

In a crisis address delivered on Tuesday, Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, thanked Australia for its support in the face of China's attempt to use military might to " alter the status quo" in the Taiwan Strait and across the Indo-Pacific.

"The people of Taiwan also have the right to express their collective will through a democratic system. China has no right to interfere in or alter this," Mr Wu said in Taipei.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defence said 45 Chinese warplanes and 10 gunboats had been operating close to the island on Tuesday.

Beijing had made similar deployments every day since August 4, when it launched live-fire military drills in six zones close to Taiwan in what the PLA described as "blockade" rehearsals.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/well-take-taiwan-chinese-ambassador-xiao-qian-pledges-no-retreat/news-story/8a84b4e549af15c0166cf26a07b4f05b

#17385683 at 2022-08-13 05:12:47 (UTC+1)
Q Research Australia #25: My Koala Hates Spam Too Edition

>>17385676

2/2

In an emphatic dismissal of Senator Wong's call to lower the temperature of the dispute, Beijing said the new Australian government was creating further "obstacles" in its already strained relationship with China.

Repeating words used in ?attacks on the Morrison government, the Foreign Ministry said Australia was entirely to blame for the breakdown - further jolting Canberra's recent attempts to stabilise the relationship.

"In the past few years, China-Australia relations have experienced serious difficulties for reasons caused by the Australian side," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin. He said the Albanese government had worsened the situation with its condemnation of China's military activity.

"The Australian side, in disregard of facts, have wantonly criticised China's legitimate, justified and lawful measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity," Mr Wang said.

He said Australia, the US and Japan had distorted the "one-China principle" - Beijing's formulation for relations with Taiwan. "What some individual countries have done is essentially an attempt to misrepresent and distort the one-China principle," Mr Wang said. "Australia's act violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, grossly interferes in China's internal affairs, and undermines regional peace and stability."

Senator Wong declined to comment, while opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham said Beijing's claims were "ridiculous". "The only action which is threatening peace and stability in the region is China's military over-reaction," he said. "It is ridiculous to suggest that Australia calling for de-escalation of military activities is a breach of the UN Charter or constitutes any interference in China's internal affairs.

"Australia has long been clear that we oppose any unilateral change to the status quo, especially by military means."

Since switching its formal recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1972, Australia has had a One China policy which is distinct from Beijing's One China principle. Canberra's policy acknowledges China has a claim over Taiwan, but allows for Australia to have substantial unofficial relations with Taipei.

Australia has always insisted that any change to the status quo must be peaceful. That policy - shared by Japan, the US and most wealthy countries - has allowed Taiwanese space to create their vibrant self-ruled democracy and dynamic economy.

But - in a major concession to Beijing - Australia's policy also says Taiwan is not allowed to formally declare its independence.

"Beijing has worked for many years in Australia to erode the ambiguity of our One China policy and normalise its One China principle in national policymaking and public institutions," said Mark Harrison, an expert on Australia's relations with Taiwan and China at the University of Tasmania.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/china-escalates-attack-on-penny-wong-as-beijing-tries-to-rewrite-australias-one-china-policy/news-story/929b5841fc3c1b712a2fad7cce3476e1

—

Remarks by Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu at the International press conference on Taiwan's response to China's military provocations

2022/08/09

https://en.mofa.gov.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=1328&s=98292

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldegYlo3AAM

#17385676 at 2022-08-13 05:10:27 (UTC+1)
Q Research Australia #25: My Koala Hates Spam Too Edition

>>17068880
Taiwan urges world to follow Penny Wong's stance on China

WILL GLASGOW - AUGUST 9, 2022

1/2

Taiwan named Australia as a model for other countries to follow as the imperilled liberal democracy called for international support to help it withstand a campaign of extraordinary Chinese military intimidation, which Beijing said would be extended ?indefinitely.

In an address to the international community - delivered hours after Beijing launched a scathing attack on Penny Wong - Taiwanese Foreign Minister ?Joseph Wu thanked Australia and other countries that had ?denounced Beijing's unprecedented aggression.

"Taiwan is grateful to all of its friends around the world who have stood up courageously to condemn China's actions and to support Taiwan," Mr Wu said on Tuesday, in the Taiwanese government's most direct comments on the ongoing crisis. "The support of so many nations lets ?Taiwan people know that we are not alone."

Late on Tuesday, Beijing ?responded by announcing that the Chinese People's Liberation Army would continue drills to prepare for the "joint encircling" of Taiwan, continuing the threatening display of its military might.

The PLA's Eastern Theatre Command did not give an end date for its drills in airspace and waters surrounding Taiwan, which come after four days of live-fire exercises that included the launching of 11 ballistic missiles over Taiwan's main island.

Asked what the international community could do to help Taiwan, Mr Wu singled out as models Canberra, Tokyo and Washington, which have co-ordinated their responses to China's assertiveness - and enraged Beijing.

"In the past few years ... we have seen more countries adopt their own Indo-Pacific [strategies] ... and they join hands with United States or Japan or Australia in conducting freedom-of-navigation operations in this region," said Mr Wu, a close confidant of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen.

"These are concrete actions to ensure that [the Indo-Pacific] ?remains free and open."

Taipei's words of praise came after Beijing escalated a separate campaign of intimidation on the Albanese government. China's Foreign Ministry accused Senator Wong of violating the UN Charter and undermining regional peace and stability, after she joined her US and Japanese counterparts to condemn China's ?firing of missiles at Taiwan.

(continued)

#16940832 at 2022-07-31 10:55:03 (UTC+1)
Q Research Australia #25: My Koala Hates Spam Too Edition

'Unprecedented, foolish, dangerous': Keating attacks Pelosi's planned trip to Taiwan

Eryk Bagshaw - July 25, 2022

Singapore: Former prime minister Paul Keating has accused US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of inflaming tensions with Beijing and risking a military conflict by planning to visit Taiwan next month.

Pelosi, who sits behind President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in American political seniority, would be the highest-level serving US official to visit Taiwan since the White House established diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1979.

Keating said in a statement on Monday evening that it was hard to imagine "a more reckless and provocative act".

"Across the political spectrum, no observer of the cross-straits relationship between China and Taiwan doubts that such a visit by the Speaker of the American Congress may degenerate into military hostilities," he said.

"If the situation is misjudged or mishandled, the outcome for the security, prosperity and order of the region and the world (and above all for Taiwan) would be catastrophic."

China views neighbouring Taiwan as a province of the mainland even though it has never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party. It has vowed to unify the island with China by 2049 and has engaged in a decades-long campaign of hybrid warfare to undermine the country's defence systems. On Monday, Taiwan ran air raid drills in Taipei to guard against missile strikes - one of hundreds of measures it takes each year to prepare for the threat of invasion from the mainland.

Keating has been critical of US and Australian policy toward Beijing, arguing that Taiwan's future was a civil matter for China, and it was not "a vital Australian interest". But that argument has been resisted by the Coalition, Labor and Taipei which have developed stronger unofficial ties in the past decade through trade offices, while officially maintaining Australia's "one-China policy".

Due to the sensitivity of travelling to Taiwan - which neither America nor Australia officially recognises diplomatically, no serving president, vice president or prime minister has visited the democratic island of 24 million people.

Biden last week publicly rebuked Pelosi's plans for the trip. "The military thinks it is not a good idea right now," he said.

Keating said a visit by Pelosi would be "unprecedented - foolish, dangerous and unnecessary to any cause other than her own".

"Over decades, countries like the United States and Australia have taken the only realistic option available on cross-strait relations. We encourage both sides to manage the situation in a way that ensures that the outcome for a peaceful resolution is always available," he said.

"But that requires a contribution from us - calm, clear and sensitive to the messages being sent. A visit by Pelosi would threaten to trash everything that has gone before."

The Financial Times, which first reported Pelosi's plans to travel to Taiwan last week, said the Biden administration had been warned privately by Chinese officials about a potential military response to her visit. Pelosi has not publicly confirmed her plans, despite members of Congress being invited to travel with her.

There has been no official comment from Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen or Foreign Minister Joseph Wu since the potential visit by Pelosi was first reported, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation.

Wu told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in January that he expected China's military incursions to become "more intimidating than ever" this year, but that Taiwan was prepared to defend itself.

"If you bow or if you show weakness, the Chinese will come with more pressure until you break," he said.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/unprecedented-foolish-dangerous-keating-attacks-pelosi-s-planned-trip-to-taiwan-20220725-p5b4g4.html

—

Bob Carr Tweet

PJK is right. Pelosi visit challenges the cross-Strait status quo that kept the peace. The West "acknowledges" the Chinese claim & does not recognise Taiwan as a country. China commits to reunification by peaceful means only. This is diplomacy. Diplomacy beats missiles every time

https://twitter.com/bobjcarr/status/1551773780426764288

#16040662 at 2022-04-09 05:21:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #22: THIS IS NOT ANOTHER 3-YEAR ELECTION Edition

#21 - Part 16
Australia / China Tensions - Part 2
>>15640374 Video: PM accuses Labor MP of being a 'Manchurian candidate' in Question Time, before quickly withdrawing accusation
>>15648206 UK pledges $34 mln to enhance security in Indo-Pacific as part of a pact with Australia, and leaders of both countries expressed "grave concerns" about China's policies in its far western region of Xinjiang
>>15648219 Visiting US General Charles Flynn, younger brother of President Donald Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, endorses Australia's new multi-billion-dollar American tanks
>>15656325 GT Voice: UK, Australia geopolitical gimmicks for Indo-Pacific unwelcome - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>15656336 AFP uncovers suspected Chinese spy's alleged plot to smuggle military equipment - Chinese-born Gold Coast accountant Kim Bowei Lee and Russian-born Brisbane entrepreneur Alexander Cher charged with contraventions of Australia's Defence Trade Control Act
>>15665139 Chinese navy ship accused of 'unsafe' act after pointing laser at Australian defence aircraft
>>15665146 Australian Government Department of Defence - Chinese vessel lasing ADF aircraft - "Defence can confirm that on 17 February 2022, a P-8A Poseidon detected a laser illuminating the aircraft while in flight over Australia's northern approaches."
>>15671368 Australia accuses China of 'act of intimidation' after laser aimed at aircraft
>>15671396 'Very aggressive act': Defence Minister Peter Dutton calls out Chinese warship targeting RAAF aircraft - Sky News Australia
>>15680374 Beijing claims RAAF plane 'flew' too close to laser ship

>>15680380 Australia's accusation of PLA vessel's laser deployment 'false mud-throwing at China' - Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan - globaltimes.cn
>>15680385 video: Global Times torches Australia for trying to 'throw mud' at China - Sky News Australia
>>15680454 US military asset to be linked to controversial Port of Darwin via fuel pipeline - Northern Territory East Arm fuel storage facility
>>15688601 'Malicious, provocative': RAAF 'dropped sonar buoy' claims China
>>15688613 China slams Australia's groundless accusations on PLA Navy's operations against ADF aircraft's approach - Li Wei, Ministry of National Defense - eng.mod.gov.cn
>>15688620 Video: China responds to RAAF allegations - Sky News Australia
>>15688632 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 21, 2022
>>15688643 Japan 'fully behind' Australia over laser incident involving China in Arafura Sea, says ambassador Yamagami Shingo
>>15688927 Australia's 'laser attack' fault-finding farce copies the US: Global Times editorial - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>15689398 Australian Government Department of Defence - Chinese ship lasing of P-8A Poseidon on 17 February 2022 - "No sonobuoys were used prior to the PLA-N vessel directing its laser at the P-8A aircraft on 17 February."

>>15697791 Scott Morrison urges China to join the west in condemning Russia over Ukraine invasion
>>15708057 Scott Morrison fires warning over China and Taiwan amid Russia-Ukraine crisis
>>15708071 Chinese police begin work in Solomon Islands to maintain law and order, as Australian officials watch closely
>>15708079 China's new ambassador says Beijing willing to go 'halfway' to repair diplomatic relations with Australia
>>15718066 China slammed over Moscow trade 'lifeline' - Australia's political leaders lash Beijing's decision to throw a trade "lifeline" to Russia by ending restrictions on Russian wheat imports just hours after its brutal invasion of Ukraine
>>15724965 Scott Morrison warns the invasion of Ukraine has sent an "earthquake" through the international rules-based order, calls on China to back a crucial UN Security Council vote condemning Vladimir Putin
>>15724982 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 25, 2022
>>15761244 Peter Dutton calls on China to put pressure on Russia to end Ukraine conflict
>>15779158 Mike Pompeo Tweet: It is not provocative to demand freedom. Susan and I are grateful for the opportunity to visit with Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu - and enjoy some CCP-sanctioned Australian wine.
>>15795585 Video: Peter Dutton flags Australia sending weapons to Taiwan, acquiring nuclear submarines before 2040

#16040579 at 2022-04-09 05:06:17 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #21: MIL-CIV ALLIANCE Edition

#21 - Part 16
Australia / China Tensions - Part 2
>>15640374 Video: PM accuses Labor MP of being a 'Manchurian candidate' in Question Time, before quickly withdrawing accusation
>>15648206 UK pledges $34 mln to enhance security in Indo-Pacific as part of a pact with Australia, and leaders of both countries expressed "grave concerns" about China's policies in its far western region of Xinjiang
>>15648219 Visiting US General Charles Flynn, younger brother of President Donald Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, endorses Australia's new multi-billion-dollar American tanks
>>15656325 GT Voice: UK, Australia geopolitical gimmicks for Indo-Pacific unwelcome - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>15656336 AFP uncovers suspected Chinese spy's alleged plot to smuggle military equipment - Chinese-born Gold Coast accountant Kim Bowei Lee and Russian-born Brisbane entrepreneur Alexander Cher charged with contraventions of Australia's Defence Trade Control Act
>>15665139 Chinese navy ship accused of 'unsafe' act after pointing laser at Australian defence aircraft
>>15665146 Australian Government Department of Defence - Chinese vessel lasing ADF aircraft - "Defence can confirm that on 17 February 2022, a P-8A Poseidon detected a laser illuminating the aircraft while in flight over Australia's northern approaches."
>>15671368 Australia accuses China of 'act of intimidation' after laser aimed at aircraft
>>15671396 'Very aggressive act': Defence Minister Peter Dutton calls out Chinese warship targeting RAAF aircraft - Sky News Australia
>>15680374 Beijing claims RAAF plane 'flew' too close to laser ship

>>15680380 Australia's accusation of PLA vessel's laser deployment 'false mud-throwing at China' - Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan - globaltimes.cn
>>15680385 video: Global Times torches Australia for trying to 'throw mud' at China - Sky News Australia
>>15680454 US military asset to be linked to controversial Port of Darwin via fuel pipeline - Northern Territory East Arm fuel storage facility
>>15688601 'Malicious, provocative': RAAF 'dropped sonar buoy' claims China
>>15688613 China slams Australia's groundless accusations on PLA Navy's operations against ADF aircraft's approach - Li Wei, Ministry of National Defense - eng.mod.gov.cn
>>15688620 Video: China responds to RAAF allegations - Sky News Australia
>>15688632 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 21, 2022
>>15688643 Japan 'fully behind' Australia over laser incident involving China in Arafura Sea, says ambassador Yamagami Shingo
>>15688927 Australia's 'laser attack' fault-finding farce copies the US: Global Times editorial - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>15689398 Australian Government Department of Defence - Chinese ship lasing of P-8A Poseidon on 17 February 2022 - "No sonobuoys were used prior to the PLA-N vessel directing its laser at the P-8A aircraft on 17 February."

>>15697791 Scott Morrison urges China to join the west in condemning Russia over Ukraine invasion
>>15708057 Scott Morrison fires warning over China and Taiwan amid Russia-Ukraine crisis
>>15708071 Chinese police begin work in Solomon Islands to maintain law and order, as Australian officials watch closely
>>15708079 China's new ambassador says Beijing willing to go 'halfway' to repair diplomatic relations with Australia
>>15718066 China slammed over Moscow trade 'lifeline' - Australia's political leaders lash Beijing's decision to throw a trade "lifeline" to Russia by ending restrictions on Russian wheat imports just hours after its brutal invasion of Ukraine
>>15724965 Scott Morrison warns the invasion of Ukraine has sent an "earthquake" through the international rules-based order, calls on China to back a crucial UN Security Council vote condemning Vladimir Putin
>>15724982 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 25, 2022
>>15761244 Peter Dutton calls on China to put pressure on Russia to end Ukraine conflict
>>15779158 Mike Pompeo Tweet: It is not provocative to demand freedom. Susan and I are grateful for the opportunity to visit with Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu - and enjoy some CCP-sanctioned Australian wine.
>>15795585 Video: Peter Dutton flags Australia sending weapons to Taiwan, acquiring nuclear submarines before 2040

#15779158 at 2022-03-04 09:25:03 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #21: MIL-CIV ALLIANCE Edition

Mike Pompeo Tweet

It is not provocative to demand freedom. Susan and I are grateful for the opportunity to visit with Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu - and enjoy some CCP-sanctioned Australian wine.

https://twitter.com/mikepompeo/status/1499493974171697156

#15640432 at 2022-02-16 09:27:16 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #21: MIL-CIV ALLIANCE Edition

>>15640390
Australia looks to landlocked Czech Republic to win European support for contentious AUKUS submarine plan

Andrew Greene and Stephen Dziedzic - 16 February 2022

Stunning gothic architecture, a medieval Old Town square and the historic Charles Bridge typically draw millions of tourists to Prague each year and, for the first time in almost 20 years, an Australian foreign minister will soon get a chance to experience the picturesque city on an official visit.

The ABC can reveal that Foreign Minister Marise Payne will fly to the Czech capital next week for a visit, where discussions will focus on shared concerns, such as cyber security and the growing fear of war in Ukraine.

Diplomatic sources say they are hopeful the landlocked, former Cold War foe could help Australia's efforts in Europe to fight back against Beijing's efforts to stymie the controversial AUKUS nuclear submarine plan.

Last week the ABC revealed that Australia is bulking-up specialised diplomatic teams in both Canberra and Vienna to win international acceptance for the AUKUS initiative as it braces for a massive "disinformation" campaign from China as well as Russia.

A public announcement of Senator Payne's Prague stopover is yet to be made, as diplomats work to confirm meetings with key figures in the new Czech government led by its Prime Minister, Petr Fiala.

Closer cooperation on cyber security is expected to be discussed by Senator Payne, as well as concerns over Chinese and Russian foreign interference operations, and the growing military ties between those two military powers.

Czech officials have privately claimed credit for helping convince some European nations to back a campaign to have former finance minister Mathias Cormann elected as the new head of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Last month, the Czech ambassador to Canberra lodged a diplomatic protest with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade after tennis player Renata Vor?cov? was deported, ahead of the Australian Open.

Concerns over Russia and China front of mind during European visit

Alexander Downer was the last Australian foreign minister to visit the Czech Republic in 2005, when questions about the Iraq War dominated.

However, in 2022, concerns over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine are top of mind.

Since the Velvet Revolution, Czech lawmakers have remained wary of Moscow's continued efforts to interfere in the small NATO member's affairs, but in recent years there has been growing alarm about Chinese Communist Party's influence.

Last year the Czech Republic expelled dozens of Russian diplomats and their families after accusing Moscow of deploying intelligence agencies to carry out two explosions at a military arms depot in 2014.

Tensions between the Czech Republic and China also flared last year when the Taiwanese Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, was welcomed by legislators to the central European nation's parliament.

Senator Payne will also travel to Germany to attend the high-profile Munich Security Conference, which brings together political leaders and top officials from around the region.

While the conference will focus on a broader array of security challenges, this year's event is likely to be consumed by discussions about whether Russia is on the brink of invading Ukraine and how NATO can deter Moscow.

Ahead of her arrival in Prague, the Foreign Minister will visit Paris, where the government is still smarting at Australia's decision last year to scrap the $90 billion French submarine project, in favour of a yet-to-be-chosen nuclear powered fleet.

During her brief stopover in Paris, Senator Payne will attend a meeting of Indo-Pacific foreign ministers organised by the French government.

The trip may also offer Senator Payne a chance to begin patching-up ties with France, although it is not yet clear if she has secured any bilateral meetings with her French counterparts.

The Foreign Minister was expected to visit Thailand on her way home, but she told Senate Estimates that leg of the trip was no longer occurring.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-16/foreign-minister-to-visit-czech-republic-over-ukraine-submarines/100832342

#15175292 at 2021-12-11 09:54:47 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #20 - INSURGENCY Edition

#19 - Part 15
Australia / China Tensions - Part 2
>>14942569 Crunch decision on Chinese-owned Port of Darwin looms
>>14942726 Video: Rand Paul had 'another fiery clash' with Anthony Fauci over Wuhan lab funding, according to Sky News host Sharri Markson - Sky News Australia
>>14949327 US Congress to take leaf out of Sharri Markson's book on Wuhan Covid leak
>>14957314 Sharri Markson delivers speech at US congressional briefing and calls for investigation into pandemic origins
>>14957532 Mike Hughes stands aside as managing director of Landbridge, the Chinese company that owns the lease over the Port of Darwin amid national security concerns
>>14957544 GT Voice: No shortage of opportunities in China-Australia trade - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>14965218 'Taiwan not our fight': Former prime minister Paul Keating
>>14965393 Australian firms seek 'smooth' trade with China despite Canberra's provocation - Yu Xi - globaltimes.cn
>>14967641 Taiwan raring to go on trading pact talks with Australia - John Deng, head of Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations
>>14988946 'Inconceivable' Australia would not join U.S. to defend Taiwan - Australian defence minister Peter Dutton

>>14994995 'Heavy attack' threat to Australia as Taiwan tensions escalate
>>14997607 Australia urged to back Taiwan in China brawl - Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu has conceded the territory may need military support in the event of a conflict with China
>>15001898 Video: China Rising: Preview to the Sky News Australia documentary - Sky News Australia
>>15012721 Hi-tech race to combat China - Australia's future weapons and cyber defence technologies will be accelerated under the AUKUS and Quad strategic partnerships
>>15012759 China meddling 'staggering', makes case for interference laws: Defence Minister Peter Dutton
>>15025425 PM Scott Morrison demands states drop Covid jab mandates and says unvaccinated Aussies MUST be allowed into pubs and restaurants
>>15032599 'Naughty guy': top Chinese diplomat accuses Australia of 'sabre wielding' with nuclear submarine deal - Acting ambassador to Australia, Wang Xining, says politicians including Peter Dutton and Tony Abbott are not serving Australia's interests
>>15032603 Video: China's warning to Australia over AUKUS pact is mocked by Peter Dutton who shrugs off 'naughty guy' accusation as 'so silly it's funny'
>>15033034 GT Voice: Australia has no strength to counter rising Chinese tech - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>15033098 China's propaganda mouthpiece threatens military 'nightmare' for Australian troops in event of war with Taiwan

>>15033103 Defence Minister Peter Dutton slams China as a bully amid Taiwan war threat
>>15033107 In the face of an irrational Australia, shouldn't China be prepared with an iron fist? - Hu Xijin - globaltimes.cn
>>15047902 AUKUS causing Xi 'heartburn', says White House
>>15047944 Former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull says Huawei 5G would leave Canada's networks vulnerable to China
>>15059512 Shadow Foreign Minister Penny Wong accuses Peter Dutton of 'amping up' threat of war with China
>>15059531 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on November 22, 2021
>>15059549 Lijian Zhao Tweet: Video: The formulation of the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement by the #US, the #UK and #Australia is extremely irresponsible. Please answer the following five questions.
>>15061019 How Australia is pushed to a belligerent path - Mu Lu - globaltimes.cn
>>15071882 Xiao Qian to be China's ambassador to Australia - Said to be "smart" and "tough", but not yet known as one of Beijing's "wolf warrior" diplomats
>>15076199 Solomon Islands PM Manasseh Sogavare has asked for Australian help to regain control of the nation's capital Honiara

#15175256 at 2021-12-11 09:32:34 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #19 - THE ONLY WAY IS THE MILITARY Edition

#19 - Part 15
Australia / China Tensions - Part 2
>>14942569 Crunch decision on Chinese-owned Port of Darwin looms
>>14942726 Video: Rand Paul had 'another fiery clash' with Anthony Fauci over Wuhan lab funding, according to Sky News host Sharri Markson - Sky News Australia
>>14949327 US Congress to take leaf out of Sharri Markson's book on Wuhan Covid leak
>>14957314 Sharri Markson delivers speech at US congressional briefing and calls for investigation into pandemic origins
>>14957532 Mike Hughes stands aside as managing director of Landbridge, the Chinese company that owns the lease over the Port of Darwin amid national security concerns
>>14957544 GT Voice: No shortage of opportunities in China-Australia trade - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>14965218 'Taiwan not our fight': Former prime minister Paul Keating
>>14965393 Australian firms seek 'smooth' trade with China despite Canberra's provocation - Yu Xi - globaltimes.cn
>>14967641 Taiwan raring to go on trading pact talks with Australia - John Deng, head of Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations
>>14988946 'Inconceivable' Australia would not join U.S. to defend Taiwan - Australian defence minister Peter Dutton

>>14994995 'Heavy attack' threat to Australia as Taiwan tensions escalate
>>14997607 Australia urged to back Taiwan in China brawl - Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu has conceded the territory may need military support in the event of a conflict with China
>>15001898 Video: China Rising: Preview to the Sky News Australia documentary - Sky News Australia
>>15012721 Hi-tech race to combat China - Australia's future weapons and cyber defence technologies will be accelerated under the AUKUS and Quad strategic partnerships
>>15012759 China meddling 'staggering', makes case for interference laws: Defence Minister Peter Dutton
>>15025425 PM Scott Morrison demands states drop Covid jab mandates and says unvaccinated Aussies MUST be allowed into pubs and restaurants
>>15032599 'Naughty guy': top Chinese diplomat accuses Australia of 'sabre wielding' with nuclear submarine deal - Acting ambassador to Australia, Wang Xining, says politicians including Peter Dutton and Tony Abbott are not serving Australia's interests
>>15032603 Video: China's warning to Australia over AUKUS pact is mocked by Peter Dutton who shrugs off 'naughty guy' accusation as 'so silly it's funny'
>>15033034 GT Voice: Australia has no strength to counter rising Chinese tech - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>15033098 China's propaganda mouthpiece threatens military 'nightmare' for Australian troops in event of war with Taiwan

>>15033103 Defence Minister Peter Dutton slams China as a bully amid Taiwan war threat
>>15033107 In the face of an irrational Australia, shouldn't China be prepared with an iron fist? - Hu Xijin - globaltimes.cn
>>15047902 AUKUS causing Xi 'heartburn', says White House
>>15047944 Former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull says Huawei 5G would leave Canada's networks vulnerable to China
>>15059512 Shadow Foreign Minister Penny Wong accuses Peter Dutton of 'amping up' threat of war with China
>>15059531 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on November 22, 2021
>>15059549 Lijian Zhao Tweet: Video: The formulation of the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement by the #US, the #UK and #Australia is extremely irresponsible. Please answer the following five questions.
>>15061019 How Australia is pushed to a belligerent path - Mu Lu - globaltimes.cn
>>15071882 Xiao Qian to be China's ambassador to Australia - Said to be "smart" and "tough", but not yet known as one of Beijing's "wolf warrior" diplomats
>>15076199 Solomon Islands PM Manasseh Sogavare has asked for Australian help to regain control of the nation's capital Honiara

#15107339 at 2021-11-30 17:36:12 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #19 - THE ONLY WAY IS THE MILITARY Edition

Taiwan seeks closer ties with Australia amid China aggression

WILL GLASGOW - NOVEMBER 30, 2021

1/2

Taiwan has thanked Australia for bluntly telling Chinese President Xi Jinping not to invade it and ?declared that the Morrison government's strong comments are helping avoid conflict in the ?region.

In an interview with The Australian in Taipei, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu expressed deep ?appreciation for the Morrison government's escalating concerns and said that, while it was Taiwan's responsibility to defend itself, Australia and other allies were helping to preserve stability through their support for Taiwan.

"As I say all the time, I have a kangaroo in my heart," Mr Wu said, pointing to his kangaroo lapel pin.

Mr Wu said he admired Australia's "natural passion'' and its history of speaking out and fighting to safeguard freedom and democracy.

Mr Wu in 2013 visited Canberra and the Australian War Memorial and said it had "changed my whole perspective on Australia".

"Australia is so far away from the rest of the world, but look at Australia's record," he said.

"Participating in battles, or wars, in terms of safeguarding freedom and democracy. Also, in terms of fighting together with allies. It's very touching."

Mr Wu, who was sanctioned weeks ago by Beijing, said his government cherished Australia's rising concern.

"There's a natural passion of the Australians ... When other fellow democracies are threatened, they will like to speak out," he said. "Australia is not alone in supporting Taiwan in that way."

Mr Wu also asked for closer ?relations with Canberra.

One of the most senior figures in President Tsai Ing-wen's democratically elected government, Mr Wu called for regular ?cabinet-level contact between Taipei and Canberra and expressed his admiration for Australia's contribution to world security.

Australia cut formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1972 when Gough Whitlam recognised China, and has maintained a "one China'' policy since then, which only allows an unofficial relationship.

Mr Wu's comments come amid a furious debate in Australia about how best to co-ordinate with allies to deter Mr Xi's Communist Party from launching a war against ?Taiwan.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton last week told the National Press Club that Australia must stand up to China or face the loss of national sovereignty as a "tributary state''. He warned that if China took Taiwan it would swiftly become the region's dominant power.

Mr Dutton also warned that China's territorial ambitions would not be satisfied by Taiwan's fall, with the disputed, Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands its next target as it sought to transform the regional order in a direct threat to Australia's security and prosperity.

(continued)

#15033098 at 2021-11-19 11:49:24 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #19 - THE ONLY WAY IS THE MILITARY Edition

>>14994995
China's propaganda mouthpiece threatens military 'nightmare' for Australian troops in event of war with Taiwan

China's propaganda mouthpiece has threatened military action towards Australian troops declaring it would be a "nightmare for them" if Canberra mounted a defence of Taiwan.

Tyrone Clarke - November 15, 2021

The editor of the Global Times - China's propaganda mouthpiece - has delivered a chilling warning of a "heavy attack" on Australian troops should they come to the aid of Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said over the weekend it was "inconceivable" that Australia would not support a US-led action in Taiwan, but the editor of the Global Times issued a harrowing statement in response.

Hu Xijin said Australian troops would be met with a "nightmare" should they enter the Taiwan Strait.

"If Australian troops come to the Taiwan Straits to fight the PLA, that will definitely be a nightmare for them," he said in one tweet.

"If Australian troops come to fight in the Taiwan Straits, it is unimaginable that China won't carry out a heavy attack on them and the Australian military facilities that support them," Mr Hu said in another.

"So Australia better be prepared to sacrifice for Taiwan island and the US."

The comments come after Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, said while the island nation would never ask Australia to "come to war" any help would be "treasured".

Mr Wu said China's growing military might and expansionism was a threat to the future of democracy and called on Australia to speak out in defence of Taiwan.

"If Taiwan unfortunately has to be taken by the Chinese government, I think the Chinese government will continue to advance," Mr Wu said exclusively to Sky News Australia for the upcoming China Rising documentary.

"I think no one can be immune from the Chinese threat or pressure.

"And therefore, it is very important for the like-minded partners of the international community to come together, to support each other."

While Mr Wu said his country would not request military assistance from Australia, when asked whether Taiwan would require foreign help if a cross-strait war erupted he said: "We might".

Mr Dutton, meanwhile, said Australia and its allies needed to make sure a Chinese invasion did not occur.

"War would be devastating, there's no question about that," Mr Dutton said in the China Rising documentary.

"Even a conventional war, let alone a nuclear war would be devastating. That's why all of us need to take every action we can to prevent that from happening.

"You don't gain the ability to deter from a position of weakness and Australia needs to be in the strongest possible position."

https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/china/chinas-propaganda-mouthpiece-threatens-military-nightmare-for-australian-troops-in-event-of-war-with-taiwan/news-story/669244ebb3e69ecb8f959c22c715acca

https://twitter.com/HuXijin_GT/status/1460094654896955406

#14997607 at 2021-11-14 17:46:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #19 - THE ONLY WAY IS THE MILITARY Edition

>>14988949
>>14994995
Australia urged to back Taiwan in China brawl

JOE KELLY - NOVEMBER 14, 2021

Taiwan's Foreign Minister has conceded the territory may need military support in the event of a conflict with China and argued that Beijing had been planning "an invasion of Taiwan for a longtime".

Joseph Wu said that Taipei would never ask Australia, or any country, to "come to war for Taiwan" because "defending Taiwan is our responsibility". However, he conceded that "any kind of help is going to be treasured" and urged Australia to speak out in defence of Taiwan and uphold the "importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait".

Asked if Taiwan would need help if war erupted, he replied: "We might."

The comments were made in an interview with Sky News host Peter Stefanovic for the two-part China Rising program to be aired this Tuesday and Wednesday, with Mr Wu saying that Beijing's expansionism meant the future of democracy was "going to be in danger".

"If Taiwan unfortunately has to be taken by the Chinese government, I think the Chinese government will continue to advance," he said. "I think no one can be immune from the Chinese threat or pressure. And therefore, it is very important for the like-minded partners of the international community to come together, to support each other."

The program will air just days after Defence Minister Peter Dutton told The Weekend Australian it was "inconceivable" that Australia, as an alliance partner of the US, would not join in a military action if America committed forces to defend the territory against a Chinese ?invasion.

"It would be inconceivable that we wouldn't support the US in an action (in Taiwan) if the US chose to take that action," Mr Dutton said. "And, again, I think we should be very frank and honest about that, look at all of the facts and circumstances without pre-committing, and maybe there are circumstances where we wouldn't take up that option, (but) I can't conceive of those ?circumstances."

The comments from Mr Dutton drew a fierce rebuke from the editor-in-chief of China's Global Times, Hu Xijin, who tweeted that Beijing would retaliate against Australia and attack its military facilities if Canberra involved itself in a war over Taiwan.

"If Australian troops come to fight in the Taiwan Straits, it is unimaginable that China won't carry out a heavy attack on them and the Australian military facilities that support them," he said. "So Australia (had) better be prepared to sacrifice for Taiwan ?island and the US."

The discussion over the fate of Taiwan also comes ahead of a virtual summit between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping after the US President last month appeared to break with the long standing policy of American strategic ambiguity over the Taiwan Strait in a CNN hosted forum.

Responding to a question about whether America would come to Taiwan's defence if attacked by China, Mr Biden said: "Yes. We have that commitment." The White House later clarified there had been no change in policy.

Former prime minister Paul Keating told the National Press Club in Canberra last week that Taiwan was "not a vital Australian interest". He said it was not recognised as "a sovereign state" and Australia should not be drawn into a conflict over the ?island.

But Mr Wu said that, while Australia and Taiwan had no formal diplomatic relations, "we have been able to speak with each other on all kinds of issues".

"You have a representative office over here in Taiwan and we treat it like a real embassy," he said. "And the representative from Australia is being regarded as the de facto ambassador over here and she has been recognised.

"We also have an office in Canberra and our office has also been recognised and respected … And I would like to say that is because we share the same interest, and we share the same values."

Mr Wu also sounded the alarm on Chinese aggression after Beijing last month made a record number of air incursions near the island territory. He said Taiwan believed the Chinese government had been "planning for an invasion of Taiwan for a long time".

"They also conducted endless cyber-attacks against Taiwan and … set up their proxies domestically here," Mr Wu said.

He said Taipei was developing its ability to wage asymmetric warfare so that "China understands that they won't be able to take Taiwan over … in a very short period."

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/australia-urged-to-back-taiwan-in-china-brawl/news-story/cb01f3f4ba107a01233e1c533b917532

#14885197 at 2021-10-30 11:06:28 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #19 - THE ONLY WAY IS THE MILITARY Edition

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz calls for full diplomatic relations with Taiwan and an end to Australia's 'One China' policy

Andrew Greene - 29 October 2021

The chair of the Senate's foreign affairs committee believes Australia would be "duty bound" to help defend Taiwan in a war with China and is pushing for "full diplomatic relations" with the democratic island amid growing military tensions.

In an escalation of his recent criticisms of Beijing, Liberal Senator Eric Abetz argued Australia should overturn its long-standing and bipartisan "One China" policy, even if it angers this country's largest trading partner.

"I would like to see full diplomatic relations between Australia and Taiwan," Senator Abetz has told the ABC.

"There is just so much in common now between Australia and Taiwan that I believe we should be seeking diplomatic relations.

"The reason we don't have them is that the belligerent dictatorship from Beijing says if you do then that means you can't have diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China".

Australia does not formally recognise Taiwan diplomatically, but the federal government regularly calls for a "peaceful resolution" of differences between China and the small independent nation through dialogue and without the threat or use of force or coercion.

Earlier this month, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu warned the self-governed territory was preparing for war with China and appealed for support from Australia and other nations.

The warning has been echoed this week by Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, who said the threat posed by China was "increasing every day" and Senator Abetz believes if a war were to begin, Australia would be obliged to help a fellow democracy.

"My hope and prayer would be that that never occurs, but one thing Australia has been exceptionally good at is defending our mates and our mates are those that believe in democracy, freedom, the rule of law," Senator Abetz said.

"That is how Taiwan operates, their political, legal culture is so similar to ours, and we are duty bound to protect those who share similar values."

"I think the time has come, especially for the freedom-loving countries of the world to say: 'enough is enough', the idea of unification will only occur with military takeover - something that we will not countenance."

On the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Australian Office in Taipei, Senator Abetz has also suggested a Free Trade Agreement should be struck between both nations.

At an event on Tuesday night to celebrate the milestone, President Tsai Ing-wen thanked Australia for standing up for the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

"Taiwan and Australia are both committed to upholding security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," she said.

"Taiwan remains committed to working with our Australian colleagues to safeguard our region and uphold our shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-29/liberal-senator-eric-abetz-pushes-for-taiwan-to-be-recognised/100577250

#14789335 at 2021-10-15 09:04:10 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #19 - THE ONLY WAY IS THE MILITARY Edition

#18 - Part 20
Australia / China Tensions - Part 3
>>14680443 Five Eyes nations set intelligence trap on Wuhan - Sharri Markson - theaustralian.com.au
>>14684779 China's foreign minister says AUKUS deal is a danger to regional stability
>>14684783 Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on September 28, 2021
>>14698159 WA Premier Mark McGowan accuses eastern states of failing to appreciate China at WA event
>>14716235 Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu warns his country is preparing for war with China, asks Australia for help
>>14731101 Tony Abbott in Taiwan to build support among 'like-minded countries'
>>14731122 Taiwan's Tsai turns to masters for help out of fear of catastrophic consequences: Global Times editorial - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>14737680 Former prime minister Tony Abbott arrives in Taiwan as the island democracy works with partners to defend itself from a campaign of military intimidation by China
>>14737694 China turns to stranded Australian coal to combat power crunch - releasing Australian coal from bonded storage despite a nearly year-long unofficial import ban on the fuel
>>14737878 Canberra's provocative actions over Taiwan may render irreparable damage to China-Australia relations - Chen Hong - globaltimes.cn
>>14738120 Tony Abbott, in Taipei, says it's time to end Taiwan's isolation
>>14744516 Video: 'The only drums we beat are for freedom': Tony Abbott delivers sweeping critique of China in Taiwan address

>>14744543 Why solidarity with Taiwan is so important for a better world - Tony Abbott - theaustralian.com.au
>>14744564 U.S. troops have been deployed in Taiwan for at least a year
>>14744723 Taiwanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu Tweet: Good mate @HonTonyAbbott knows I have a kangaroo in my heart. JW
>>14748834 US' revelation of troops in Taiwan will only hasten cross-Straits war: Global Times editorial - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>14750441 Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Commonwealth of Australia - Chinese Embassy Spokesperson's Remarks, 2021/10/09 - "Tony Abbott is a failed and pitiful politician. His recent despicable and insane performance in Taiwan fully exposed his hideous anti-China features. This will only further discredit him."
>>14757835 Huawei waves goodbye: Why the Chinese tech giant is pulling out of Australia
>>14763754 Abbott an 'Australian Pompeo' used by Taiwan secessionists - Lin Lan - globaltimes.cn
>>14766086 Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman lashes out at former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott over Taiwan
>>14766100 Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on October 11, 2021
>>14770219 Taiwan asks Australia to support its bid to join the CPTPP pan-Pacific trade pact
>>14770507 My message to Taiwan: get ready to fight - Tony Abbott - theaustralian.com.au
>>14770522 Abbott's real message to Taiwan: fight for yourself and do not expect substantial protection from the US and its allies - Hu Xijin - globaltimes.cn

#14789253 at 2021-10-15 08:44:41 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

#18 - Part 20
Australia / China Tensions - Part 3
>>14680443 Five Eyes nations set intelligence trap on Wuhan - Sharri Markson - theaustralian.com.au
>>14684779 China's foreign minister says AUKUS deal is a danger to regional stability
>>14684783 Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on September 28, 2021
>>14698159 WA Premier Mark McGowan accuses eastern states of failing to appreciate China at WA event
>>14716235 Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu warns his country is preparing for war with China, asks Australia for help
>>14731101 Tony Abbott in Taiwan to build support among 'like-minded countries'
>>14731122 Taiwan's Tsai turns to masters for help out of fear of catastrophic consequences: Global Times editorial - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>14737680 Former prime minister Tony Abbott arrives in Taiwan as the island democracy works with partners to defend itself from a campaign of military intimidation by China
>>14737694 China turns to stranded Australian coal to combat power crunch - releasing Australian coal from bonded storage despite a nearly year-long unofficial import ban on the fuel
>>14737878 Canberra's provocative actions over Taiwan may render irreparable damage to China-Australia relations - Chen Hong - globaltimes.cn
>>14738120 Tony Abbott, in Taipei, says it's time to end Taiwan's isolation
>>14744516 Video: 'The only drums we beat are for freedom': Tony Abbott delivers sweeping critique of China in Taiwan address

>>14744543 Why solidarity with Taiwan is so important for a better world - Tony Abbott - theaustralian.com.au
>>14744564 U.S. troops have been deployed in Taiwan for at least a year
>>14744723 Taiwanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu Tweet: Good mate @HonTonyAbbott knows I have a kangaroo in my heart. JW
>>14748834 US' revelation of troops in Taiwan will only hasten cross-Straits war: Global Times editorial - Global Times - globaltimes.cn
>>14750441 Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Commonwealth of Australia - Chinese Embassy Spokesperson's Remarks, 2021/10/09 - "Tony Abbott is a failed and pitiful politician. His recent despicable and insane performance in Taiwan fully exposed his hideous anti-China features. This will only further discredit him."
>>14757835 Huawei waves goodbye: Why the Chinese tech giant is pulling out of Australia
>>14763754 Abbott an 'Australian Pompeo' used by Taiwan secessionists - Lin Lan - globaltimes.cn
>>14766086 Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman lashes out at former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott over Taiwan
>>14766100 Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on October 11, 2021
>>14770219 Taiwan asks Australia to support its bid to join the CPTPP pan-Pacific trade pact
>>14770507 My message to Taiwan: get ready to fight - Tony Abbott - theaustralian.com.au
>>14770522 Abbott's real message to Taiwan: fight for yourself and do not expect substantial protection from the US and its allies - Hu Xijin - globaltimes.cn

#14744723 at 2021-10-08 07:08:03 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>>14716235
>>14744516
Taiwanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu Tweet

Good mate @HonTonyAbbott knows I have a kangaroo in my heart. JW

https://twitter.com/MOFA_Taiwan/status/1445965311354671104

#14744516 at 2021-10-08 06:24:24 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>>14738120
'The only drums we beat are for freedom': Tony Abbott delivers sweeping critique of China in Taiwan address

WILL GLASGOW - OCTOBER 8, 2021

1/2

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has declared "nothing is more pressing right now, than solidarity with Taiwan" in an extraordinary speech in Taipei that follows the profound breakdown in Australia's relationship with Beijing.

In a keynote address delivered in person on Friday to an audience including Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, Mr Abbott delivered the most stinging critique of the People's Republic of China by a former Australian prime minister since diplomatic relations were established between Canberra and Beijing more than 50 years ago.

"Two years back I hesitated to attend this conference lest that provoke China," the former Prime Minister conceded, before outlining the reasons for his total reassessment of President Xi Jinping's China.

"Since then, Beijing has torn-up the 'one country, two systems' treaty on Hong Kong; put upwards of a million Uighurs into concentration camps; boosted cyber spying on its own citizens; cancelled popular personalities in favour of a cult of the new red emperor; brutalised Indian soldiers in the Himalayas; coerced other claimants in its eastern seas; and flown evermore intimidatory sorties against Taiwan," Abbott told the Yushan Forum.

"It's weaponised trade, especially against Australia, with our barley, wine and coal exports all stopped on spurious safety grounds, and its embassy has published 14 demands - essentially that we become a tributary state - that no self-respecting country could accept," he said.

The trigger for those sanctions on Australian exports previously worth more than $20 billion a year, he explained, was the Morrison government called for an inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus.

"So this year, I'm here, having concluded that China's belligerence is all self-generated," he told an audience at that included Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu and senior Taiwanese security officials.

Mr Abbott is the second former Australian prime minister to address the annual conference, which is aimed at strengthening Taiwan's relations in the increasingly contested region.

His successor Malcolm Turnbull delivered a keynote address online at last year's conference, another sign of the wariness across much Australia's political establishment towards Beijing.

Despite their strained relationship, Mr Turnbull backed Abbott's high profile visit to Taipei.

"He's entitled to go there," Mr Turnbull told the ABC.

"I spoke at exactly the same forum last year, and would have gone there again had it not been for Covid."

Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe was also scheduled to attend this year's event, but in a message read out at the conference said he was unable to attend because of quarantine restrictions.

On Friday, President Tsai - who Abbott met on Thursday with Australia's most senior official in Taiwan, Jenny Bloomfield - thanked the former PM for "for coming all the way from Australia to join us this year".

"You and your country's consistent effort to defend democracy, its values and [the] rules based international order while resisting coercion from authoritarian countries is truly courageous and admirable," she said.

(continued)

#14737878 at 2021-10-07 06:37:17 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>>14716235
>>14737680
Canberra's provocative actions over Taiwan may render irreparable damage to China-Australia relations

Chen Hong - Oct 06, 2021

1/2

Is Australia going to have a showdown with China over Taiwan secessionism? There are increasingly worrying signs of further acts of recklessness from Canberra.

On Tuesday, former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, who in last week voiced his support for the island of Taiwan to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), arrived in Taiwan to bolster Australian relations with the island. One day earlier, the Australian government interfered China's internal affairs by slandering the mainland's air force activities around the island of Taiwan as "incursions" into the so-called air defense zone of the island, remaining in lockstep with Washington. Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton also claimed, back in September, that should China and the United States have a war at the Taiwan Straits, the prospect of Australian military confrontations with the Chinese People's Liberation Army could not be ruled out.

On the other hand, several Taiwan political figures have used Australian media as a platform to campaign for their secessionist agenda. This includes Joseph Wu, an active secessionist in Taiwan. Wu on Monday asked Canberra for military and political support for the island's possible military engagement with the Chinese mainland in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

It is no secret that the anti-China forces in the West have been taking advantage of the media to create an atmosphere of crisis - usually by distorting and falsifying the actual situation - before taking any concrete steps of substance. In terms of the Taiwan question, the Australian media have over recent years been playing up very unsettling factors, hyping up the "China threat" theory, and deliberately misinterpreting the mainland's legitimate sovereignty over the island as "acts of aggression."

Australia obviously will not just stop at such rhetoric. Instead, it will most likely crystalize its words into more specific provocative actions. As it will take at least 10 years, if not longer, to realize the plan to develop nuclear-propelled submarines through the AUKUS pact, Canberra will become another chess piece in Washington's anti-China strategy.

(continued)

#14737680 at 2021-10-07 05:45:36 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>>14731101
Tony Abbott lands in under-threat Taiwan

WILL GLASGOW - OCTOBER 6, 2021

Former prime minister Tony ?Abbott has arrived in Taiwan as the island democracy works with partners to defend itself from a campaign of military intimidation by China.

Mr Abbott will give a keynote address on Friday at the Yushan Forum, an annual conference aimed at strengthening Taiwan's relations in the increasingly contested region.

On Wednesday, he met with Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu, who thanked the former PM for backing Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a giant trade pact.

"He's a fair dinkum free trader [and] bold backer of our [CPTPP] bid. Thanks for the support [and] all the best for the [Yushan Forum] keynote, my friend!" minister Wu said on Twitter after their lunch meeting.

Abbott will soon meet with President Tsai Ing-wen, who this week warned that a takeover of the ?island of 24 million people by China would be "catastrophic for regional peace and the democratic alliance system".

"It would signal that in today's global contest of values, authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy," Ms Tsai wrote in a new essay in Foreign Affairs.

A delegation of French senators - including former defence minister Alain Richard - flew to Taiwan on Wednesday, and will also meet with Ms Tsai and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu.

China's foreign ministry expressed "serious concern" about the French visit, which is taking place during heightened concern across much of the global community about Beijing's aggression. Beijing opposes Taiwan having diplomatic exchanges and threatens politicians against visiting the island, which it treats as a wayward province.

The joint visits come after China flew a record 56 fighter jets near Taiwan on Monday as Beijing's propaganda machine warned war "may be triggered at any time". Nearly 150 Chinese warplanes have breached Taiwan's air defence identification zone since Friday, when China celebrated its National Day.

Monday's wave of People's Liberation Army aircraft included 12 nuclear-capable bombers.

Writing in Foreign Affairs, Ms Tsai said Taiwan's democracy was not negotiable. "Amid almost daily intrusions by the People's Liberation Army, our position on cross-strait relations remains constant: Taiwan will not bend to pressure, but nor will it turn adventurist, even when it accumulates support from the international community," she wrote.

The US - Taiwan's most important security partner - has long insisted that the future of Taiwan be determined by peaceful means.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday said he had discussed Taiwan with China's President Xi Jinping. "We made it clear that I don't think he should be doing anything other than abiding by the agreement," Mr Biden said.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshi?mitsu Motegi said he hoped the situation would be "resolved peacefully between the two parties through direct talks ... instead of simply monitoring the situation, we hope to weigh various possible scenarios that may arise to consider what options we have, as well as preparations we must make."

Tokyo has spoken with increased directness about the consequences of Beijing using military force in the Taiwan Strait.

The Japan Maritime Self-?Defence Force this weekend trained with Britain's HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier and America's USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson for an exercise in waters southwest of Oki?nawa, along with warships from Canada, The Netherlands and New Zealand.

Mr Abbott has supported Taiwan's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a giant trade pact. China has also applied to join the CPTPP.

New members need the support of all the group's eight ratified members, which include Australia, Japan and Canada. He last week told a parliamentary inquiry that the only argument for opposing Taiwan's entry would be that "it might upset China ... but given that China is not a member ... is unlikely to become a member ... and is already in a state of high dudgeon against Australia and many other countries, I don't see that China is going to be any more upset than it already is."

Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull gave an online keynote address at last year's Yushan Forum, at which he said "China's unilateral actions in the South China Sea (were) becoming a nightmare for ASEAN".

On Monday, China's envoy to Malaysia was summoned in protest after Chinese vessels entered its maritime economic zone.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/tony-abbott-lands-in-underthreat-taiwan/news-story/ba04584dbd057f8e296cfe6506bb82fa

https://twitter.com/MOFA_Taiwan/status/1445643134453444608

#14731122 at 2021-10-06 06:09:21 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>>14716235
>>14731101
Taiwan's Tsai turns to masters for help out of fear of catastrophic consequences: Global Times editorial

Global Times - Oct 05, 2021

Taiwan's regional leader Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday published an article, entitled "Taiwan and the Fight for Democracy", in Foreign Affairs Magazine, claiming that "If Taiwan were to fall, the consequences would be catastrophic for regional peace and the democratic alliance system." It seems that the Tsai authorities are really scared, anticipating that their secessionist attempt has gone to a virtual dead end. They, as an anti-China outpost of US' Indo-Pacific Strategy will sooner or later be wiped out by the Chinese mainland, but they have a severe lack of confidence that the US and its allies will fully defend the island. In this context, Tsai penned the article to underline the current peril, calling on the US and its allies to strengthen their commitment to the Taiwan island and to deter the Chinese mainland.

Tsai repeatedly used the word "democracy" in the article, like a cultist regarding what she called "democracy" as a talisman. However, everyone can see that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has hijacked Taiwan's democracy and has turned it into an extreme ideology to confront the Chinese mainland. It is clear to all that Taiwan has bitten off more than it can chew. There was a period of peaceful cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan island during which both sides sought shared development. But it was ruined by the DPP, which is now quenching thirst with poison. Taiwan's practices of acting as a strategic outpost against China in exchange for US' protection is the craziest gamble in the history of international politics.

Now they are also in the fear of losing everything. In an interview with Australia's ABC News on Monday, Joseph Wu, leader of the external affairs of the Taiwan island, said the island is preparing for war with the Chinese mainland, drawing on Australia for help. And Tsai, in Foreign Affairs magazine warns Taiwan's "fall" will be catastrophic for the US and its allies. Their fate is bound to be a catastrophe when they attempt to separate Taiwan from the China. The further the DPP authorities go down the path in colluding with external forces, the closer they move to their tomb.

There is no force in the world whose will to "defend Taiwan" is stronger than China's will to fight against secession and achieve reunification. To be precise, they are completely incomparable. China dares to have a life-and-death fight against any force that hinders our reunification, but no force dares or is willing to fight to the death against the world's second largest economy, as well as a nuclear power, in order to prevent China's reunification.

Tsai authorities understand this point. When they never say uncle, they are quietly shivering, and they will increasingly turn to their masters for help.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202110/1235658.shtml

#14716235 at 2021-10-04 07:02:29 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

Taiwanese Foreign Minister warns his country is preparing for war with China, asks Australia for help

Andrew Greene and Stan Grant - 4 October 2021

1/2

Taiwan's Foreign Minister warns his nation is preparing for war with China and urges Australia to increase intelligence sharing and security cooperation as Beijing intensifies a campaign of military intimidation.

Dozens of aircraft from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) have flown sorties into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) since Friday, prompting the self-ruled island to scramble its own military jets.

Speaking to the ABC's China Tonight program, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu declared that if the PLA were to launch an actual strike, his democratic state would be ready to repel it.

"The defence of Taiwan is in our own hands, and we are absolutely committed to that," Mr Wu has told the ABC's Stan Grant in an interview to be broadcast on Monday evening.

"If China is going to launch a war against Taiwan we will fight to the end, and that is our commitment.

"I'm sure that if China is going to launch an attack against Taiwan, I think they are going to suffer tremendously as well."

The minister from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party believes other like-minded countries such as Australia should now come to the aid of his besieged nation by developing closer ties.

"We would like to engage in security or intelligence exchanges with other like-minded partners, Australia included, so Taiwan is better prepared to deal with the war situation.

"And so far, our relations with Australia [are] very good and that is what we appreciate", Mr Wu added.

Australia does not formally recognise Taiwan diplomatically, but the federal government regularly calls for a "peaceful resolution" of differences between China and the small independent nation through dialogue and without the threat or use of force or coercion.

A communique issued after last month's AUSMIN meetings between Australia and the United States declared that "both sides stated their intent to strengthen ties with Taiwan, which is a leading democracy and a critical partner for both countries".

As well as closer security ties, the Taiwanese Foreign Minister thanked Australia for supporting its bid to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, now known as the CPTPP, which China also wants to enter.

"As far as I know, Australia has been one of those most vocal members in supporting Taiwan's participation in CPTPP.

"We have been discussing with each other privately for quite some time and we understand the Australian support and we appreciate the Australian support."

Earlier this year, America's most senior diplomat in Canberra also confirmed Australia and the United States were discussing contingency plans in case a military conflict erupts over Taiwan.

Last year, Frances Adamson, the then-head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, warned she was more concerned about a "crisis" in the Taiwan strait than at any other point in her diplomatic career.

(continued)

#13881984 at 2021-06-12 00:18:39 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #16 - INFILTRATION NOT INVASION Edition

Warning of Beijing 'grey zone' threat in Australian waters

STEVE JACKSON - JUNE 11, 2021

1/2

China is on the verge of launching a "grey zone" war against Australia that would see flotillas of armed, unmarked and unsanctioned militia ships deployed on incursions through Australian waters in a bid to bully the nation into bowing to Beijing's will.

The stark warning comes from Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, as the heads of the world's leading democracies gather for a G7 summit widely anticipated to address China's growing hostility and the risk of a global conflict involving the communist regime.

Dr Wu said Taiwan had been "in the frontline" against Chinese misinformation, economic coercion and military brinkmanship for decades, and urged "like-minded democracies" to form a united front against Beijing aggression.

"China is preparing for war and we all need to be ready for that," Dr Wu told The Weekend Australian. "The new phenomenon we are seeing is part of what I would describe as China's 'grey zone' operations, where it sends in its maritime militia - large fishing boats armed, operated and following the orders of China's navy - to harass and intimidate their perceived enemies.

"This is something Australia hasn't experienced yet - but it is coming."

Known as China's "little blue men", Dr Wu said the maritime militia allowed Beijing to operate in a "grey zone" outside conventional warfare and deploy "threatening" armed forces to foreign territory without it being considered a formal act of war as the fleet comprised civilian vessels and its operations were not formally sanctioned by the regime.

Officially, Beijing denies the "so-called militia" even exists, but Western security analysts believe it forms an integral part of the country's military strategy and it made headlines in March when more than 220 Chinese fishing vessels converged on Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea.

The Philippines, which has control of the reef as part of its Spratly Island chain, complained to Beijing about "the swarming and threatening presence" of the ships in its exclusive economic zone, and demanded they depart.

Beijing, which maintains the reef is part of its domain, said the ships posed no threat, were not part of a militia and were simply harbouring from rough seas.

(continued)

#13773196 at 2021-05-28 10:24:58 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #16 - INFILTRATION NOT INVASION Edition

Chinese military says Australia's Taiwan comments 'provocative'

Michael Smith - May 28, 2021

China's Defence Ministry has accused Australia of "inciting confrontation" by talking up the threat of war over Taiwan in the strongest response from Beijing so far to comments from Morrison government officials about the prospect of a military confrontation.

"We express strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the recent provocative actions on Taiwan-related issues by Australia," said Colonel Tan Kefei, a spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defence.

"Recently, the Australian side has taken a series of provocative actions, and some people have even incited confrontation and exaggerated the threat of war on Taiwan-related issues. Such actions are incredibly irresponsible."

Colonel Tan made the remarks at a regular press conference on Thursday when asked to comment on remarks by some Australian government officials. The comments were published on the Ministry of Defence's website on Friday.

He said Taiwan was an integral part of China and it was important that the international community adhered to the "One China" policy, which does not recognise Taiwan as a separate country.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said in April that conflict between China and Taiwan could not be discounted, while Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo warned that the "drums of war are beating".

The Chinese government has not responded directly to the comments in the past although state media has accused Australia of having a "pathological obsession" with war against China.

Colonel Tan did not name Mr Dutton or Mr Pezzullo but praised comments by former prime minister Kevin Rudd and former Liberal Party leader John Hewson that it was not in Australia's interests to talk up the prospect of war.

He reiterated earlier comments from China's Foreign Ministry blaming Australia for the current difficulties in the bilateral relationship.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu has said the self-governed island territory was preparing for war. Any conflict could involve Australia if the United States became involved, although there are no signs a conflict is imminent.

https://www.afr.com/world/asia/chinese-military-says-australia-s-taiwan-comments-provocative-20210528-p57w3n

—

China slams Australia for its provocative actions on Taiwan-related issues

''Wang Xinjuan, China Military Online - 2021-05-27

BEIJING, May 27 - "We express strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the recent provocative actions on Taiwan-related issues by Australia," said a Chinese defense spokesperson at a regular press conference on Thursday.

Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), made the remarks when asked to comment on the speeches speculating about war over Taiwan by some Australian politicians.

There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an integral part of China. Adherence to the one-China principle is the common consensus of the international community. Recently, the Australian side has taken a series of provocative actions, and some people have even incited confrontation and exaggerated the threat of war on Taiwan-related issues. Such actions are incredibly irresponsible, Tan said.

Currently, China-Australia relations are faced with serious difficulties, and the responsibility lies squarely with the Australian side. We hope the Australian side will not go further down the wrong path and can do more things conducive to the development of relations between the two countries and the two militaries, Tan added.

http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/view/2021-05/27/content_10040607.htm

#13741345 at 2021-05-24 09:32:08 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #16 - INFILTRATION NOT INVASION Edition

#15 - Part 17
Australia / China Tensions - Part 5
>>13608366 Beijing praises New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in between blasts at the "insane" Morrison government
>>13609317 OPINION: Ill-disciplined chest-thumping has put war at centre of what's left of the Australia-China relationship - Kevin Rudd
>>13609517 Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu backs hardening of Morrison government's rhetoric towards China, says Taiwan is preparing for a 'final assault' by Beijing
>>13609758 Australian imports to China slow down as decoupling accelerates - GT staff reporters - globaltimes.cn
>>13609784 China's April imports from Australia rise 49.3%, but a trade decoupling is imminent amid icy relations - Li Xuanmin and Yin Yeping - globaltimes.cn
>>13609963 Global Times Facebook Post: #China suspends economic dialogue with #Australia, marking the first time a diplomatic mechanism was frozen amid souring ties
>>13609963 INFOGRAPHIC: Aussie misdeeds disrupt China-Australia relations - Deng Zijun - globaltimes.cn
>>13609998 China needs to make a plan to deter extreme forces of Australia - Hu Xijin - globaltimes.cn - "The plan should include long-range strikes on the military facilities and relevant key facilities on Australian soil"
>>13618380 Editor of pro-Communist Global Times newspaper, Hu Xijin, advises Beijing to bomb Australia and bring "disaster" should Canberra support US military action
>>13618429 - Military conflict with China: Thinking the unthinkable - Australians aren't used to a defence minister like Peter Dutton speaking to us like adults

>>13618441 'Outstandingly stupid act': can Australia actually defend itself? - Gaps in our capabilities that must be filled immediately - Michael Shoebridge, ASPI
>>13625963 Australian media slammed for twisting open book as 'evidence' of 'China weaponizing COVID-19' - Liu Caiyu and Lou Kang - globaltimes.cn
>>13626133 For whom do Canberra's war drums beat - Chen Hong - globaltimes.cn
>>13633893 Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying says the country did not develop, research or produce bio-weapons
>>13633895 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on May 10, 2021
>>13634048 Japanese Ambassador to Australia encourages South Australia to export more wine to Japan to counter the loss from the Chinese market
>>13642264 'Battle ready': Australia's warning to China in Federal Budget - investing $270 billion over 10 years in defence capability
>>13642368 China accuses Australia of 'pathological obsession' with war, claims the Morrison government destroyed the bilateral relationship to appease its American "masters"
>>13642374 "After eating, Australian politicians made the wrong calculation (Observatory)" - Li Jiabao, People's Daily Overseas Edition - people.com.cn
>>13650331 ScoMo says preparing for war with China is doing his job, backs Peter Dutton in warning Australians that we need to be prepared for military conflict with China

>>13650344 Former NSW Labor staffer John Zhang loses High Court battle over validity of warrants used to seize his property
>>13650347 GT Voice: Canberra's defense spending means economic carnage - globaltimes.cn
>>13650379 Japan embarks on joint military maneuvers with US, France, Australia - ARC21
>>13650382 Joint drill by US, allies on Japanese land insignificant: analysts - Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan - globaltimes.cn
>>13658111 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Australia will not be left alone to face China coercion
>>13658120 Foreign Minister Marise Payne Tweet: (Australia and the United States) are the closest of friends & allies. @SecBlinken & I reaffirmed our commitment to a stable, secure & open #IndoPacific.
>>13658125 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Tweet: Great to meet with Foreign Minister @MarisePayne today to discuss our ongoing commitment to the health, security, and prosperity of the #IndoPacific. We look forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of #ANZUS alongside our friend and ally Australia later this year. #USwithAUS
>>13658134 Foreign Minister Marise Payne Tweet: Met with @NSAGov @JakeSullivan46 in Washington DC to reaffirm our nations' shared commitment to a strong, independent & secure #IndoPacific region & the critical importance of the Quad & vaccination cooperation including through #COVAX
>>13658137 Marise Payne and Antony Blinken call for 'real transparency' from China on Covid origins
>>13658141 Foreign Minister Marise Payne: US-Australia alliance should embolden others on China

#13741289 at 2021-05-24 09:12:16 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #15 - NEVER RETREAT FROM THE BATTLEFIELD Edition

#15 - Part 17
Australia / China Tensions - Part 5
>>13608366 Beijing praises New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in between blasts at the "insane" Morrison government
>>13609317 OPINION: Ill-disciplined chest-thumping has put war at centre of what's left of the Australia-China relationship - Kevin Rudd
>>13609517 Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu backs hardening of Morrison government's rhetoric towards China, says Taiwan is preparing for a 'final assault' by Beijing
>>13609758 Australian imports to China slow down as decoupling accelerates - GT staff reporters - globaltimes.cn
>>13609784 China's April imports from Australia rise 49.3%, but a trade decoupling is imminent amid icy relations - Li Xuanmin and Yin Yeping - globaltimes.cn
>>13609963 Global Times Facebook Post: #China suspends economic dialogue with #Australia, marking the first time a diplomatic mechanism was frozen amid souring ties
>>13609963 INFOGRAPHIC: Aussie misdeeds disrupt China-Australia relations - Deng Zijun - globaltimes.cn
>>13609998 China needs to make a plan to deter extreme forces of Australia - Hu Xijin - globaltimes.cn - "The plan should include long-range strikes on the military facilities and relevant key facilities on Australian soil"
>>13618380 Editor of pro-Communist Global Times newspaper, Hu Xijin, advises Beijing to bomb Australia and bring "disaster" should Canberra support US military action
>>13618429 - Military conflict with China: Thinking the unthinkable - Australians aren't used to a defence minister like Peter Dutton speaking to us like adults

>>13618441 'Outstandingly stupid act': can Australia actually defend itself? - Gaps in our capabilities that must be filled immediately - Michael Shoebridge, ASPI
>>13625963 Australian media slammed for twisting open book as 'evidence' of 'China weaponizing COVID-19' - Liu Caiyu and Lou Kang - globaltimes.cn
>>13626133 For whom do Canberra's war drums beat - Chen Hong - globaltimes.cn
>>13633893 Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying says the country did not develop, research or produce bio-weapons
>>13633895 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on May 10, 2021
>>13634048 Japanese Ambassador to Australia encourages South Australia to export more wine to Japan to counter the loss from the Chinese market
>>13642264 'Battle ready': Australia's warning to China in Federal Budget - investing $270 billion over 10 years in defence capability
>>13642368 China accuses Australia of 'pathological obsession' with war, claims the Morrison government destroyed the bilateral relationship to appease its American "masters"
>>13642374 "After eating, Australian politicians made the wrong calculation (Observatory)" - Li Jiabao, People's Daily Overseas Edition - people.com.cn
>>13650331 ScoMo says preparing for war with China is doing his job, backs Peter Dutton in warning Australians that we need to be prepared for military conflict with China

>>13650344 Former NSW Labor staffer John Zhang loses High Court battle over validity of warrants used to seize his property
>>13650347 GT Voice: Canberra's defense spending means economic carnage - globaltimes.cn
>>13650379 Japan embarks on joint military maneuvers with US, France, Australia - ARC21
>>13650382 Joint drill by US, allies on Japanese land insignificant: analysts - Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan - globaltimes.cn
>>13658111 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Australia will not be left alone to face China coercion
>>13658120 Foreign Minister Marise Payne Tweet: (Australia and the United States) are the closest of friends & allies. @SecBlinken & I reaffirmed our commitment to a stable, secure & open #IndoPacific.
>>13658125 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Tweet: Great to meet with Foreign Minister @MarisePayne today to discuss our ongoing commitment to the health, security, and prosperity of the #IndoPacific. We look forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of #ANZUS alongside our friend and ally Australia later this year. #USwithAUS
>>13658134 Foreign Minister Marise Payne Tweet: Met with @NSAGov @JakeSullivan46 in Washington DC to reaffirm our nations' shared commitment to a strong, independent & secure #IndoPacific region & the critical importance of the Quad & vaccination cooperation including through #COVAX
>>13658137 Marise Payne and Antony Blinken call for 'real transparency' from China on Covid origins
>>13658141 Foreign Minister Marise Payne: US-Australia alliance should embolden others on China

#13609517 at 2021-05-08 01:45:54 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #15 - NEVER RETREAT FROM THE BATTLEFIELD Edition

>>13609317
Taiwan shores up allies as China threat looms

Taiwan's Foreign Minister has backed a hardening of the Morrison government's rhetoric towards China and says it is preparing for a 'final assault' by Beijing.

Michael Smith - May 6, 2021

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Taiwan has warned it is preparing for a "final assault" by China as the disputed island territory called on Australia to help defend it against President Xi Jinping's "expansionism", which it says threatens democracies around the world.

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu backed the Morrison government's hawkish rhetoric towards China, welcoming comments over the past fortnight by senior Australian government and defence officials who have raised the prospect of a military conflict with China over Taiwan.

In an exclusive interview with The Australian Financial Review, Mr Wu called on Australia to pursue "broader relations" with Taipei but stopped short of calling on Canberra to provide military support for now.

He said an invasion of Taiwan was "not imminent" but a military confrontation with China was a genuine threat that Canberra understood.

"China is engaging in isolating Taiwan from the international arena, trying to engage in disinformation … or hybrid warfare, and intensifying it's a military threat against Taiwan. [It] seems to be preparing for a final assault against Taiwan," Mr Wu said in his first Australian media interview since tensions with China over the disputed island territory flared up this year.

"I don't want to say that a war in between Taiwan and China is imminent. But, nevertheless, the Taiwanese government needs to prepare for the war situation. And, in fact, there's a whole-of-government approach in Taiwan - it's not only the Ministry of Defence preparing for a possible assault by China militarily."

Mr Wu's comments are the first official response by Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, led by Tsai Ing-wen, to signals from senior Morrison government officials that Australia would support any US-led action against China in the Taiwan Strait.

He emphasised the need to build a coalition of international support from like-minded democracies to defend Taiwan's interests. Australia, he said, had a lot at stake given its geographical position in a region facing "very rapid expansion of authoritarian power".

Shared values

"Now there's only one voice [in China]. That is the voice of Xi Jinping. And that is wrong. That is what we see - the expansionism of authoritarian order. And of course we don't want to see that repeated on Taiwan. Never. That seems to be what China wants to do against Taiwan," Mr Wu told the Financial Review via videolink from Taipei.

"I'm sure the Australian people also have that belief in mind. Freedom, democracy, the protection of the human rights is the value that they treasure, and if that is what they treasure, I'm sure they will look at Taiwan with the shared value and they will think that speaking out on behalf of Taiwan is a great thing to do."

Mr Wu also called on Australia to strengthen economic ties with Taiwan by resurrecting talks for a free trade agreement between the two countries, something New Zealand has managed to do while maintaining cordial relations with Beijing. He also revealed Taiwan would probably submit an application to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade partnership this year.

His interview came a week after Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo's Anzac Day message to his department's 15,000 staff warning that "war drums are beating" as the prospect of war over Taiwan grows. Defence Minister Peter Dutton has also said a conflict over Taiwan should not be discounted.

Sources have told the Financial Review that the Australian Defence Force has also sharply escalated its internal preparations for potential military action in the Taiwan Strait in a move designed to send a signal to Beijing to back down following an escalation of its incursions into Taiwan's air and maritime space.

(continued)

#13609317 at 2021-05-08 01:18:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #15 - NEVER RETREAT FROM THE BATTLEFIELD Edition

>>13515337
>>13517916
>>13577336
OPINION: Ill-disciplined chest-thumping has put war at centre of what's left of the Australia-China relationship

Kevin Rudd, Former Australian prime minister - May 8, 2021

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The Morrison government's recent indisciplined commentary on the possibility of Australian military engagement in a future US-China war over Taiwan is both politically juvenile and potentially damaging to our core national security interests.

For 50 years, successive Australian governments have not speculated publicly on what Australia would do in the event of a military crisis or conflict over Taiwan. Scott Morrison, Defence Minister Peter Dutton and aspiring defence secretary Michael Pezzullo have spectacularly breached that bipartisan convention over the past fortnight. Classified military briefings have also been leaked. These three have sought to deflect criticism over the precise parsing of their language, but the net effect has been to elevate the idea of a looming war - and Australia's probable involvement in it - as the focus of the already dysfunctional Australia-China relationship.

Previous Australian governments have been tight-lipped about potential Taiwan military scenarios for good reason. Such a conflict would involve the world's two biggest militaries and likely become the most violent and destructive war in Asia since 1945. Given the horrendous choices that would present the government of the day, Australia should not at this stage compromise the independence and flexibility of our national decision-making. And nobody can predict with any certainty which scenarios might arise between cyberattack, maritime blockade, territorial invasion or something else entirely.

In Canberra, Washington, Beijing and Taipei, our officials have done everything possible to prevent any such war from occurring while also forestalling any change to the status quo through the application of Chinese coercion. With Washington, our aim has been to ensure the US has sufficient military deterrence in the region to cause China to defer its longheld ambition to take Taiwan - if necessary by force. In Beijing, we have encouraged China to conclude Washington is determined to defend Taiwan - not least because, if the US failed to act, it would destroy American credibility among its other allies. As for Taipei, we have sought to discourage successive Taiwanese governments from any unilateral declarations of independence (or steps in that direction) that would cross Beijing's most fundamental red lines.

The Morrison government's adolescent chest-thumping over Taiwan has perplexed the Americans, infuriated the Chinese, puzzled the Taiwanese and bamboozled most of the region. Only seven weeks ago, Joe Biden's secretary of state Antony Blinken met with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi and reportedly intervened on behalf of US allies like Australia, which had been on the receiving end of Chinese economic thuggery. China's anti-Australian rhetoric had begun to moderate in the weeks following that - at least until Morrison decided to unleash on Victoria over its nebulous and non-binding MOUs on the Belt and Road initiative, followed by this most recent rhetorical fusillade over Taiwan. Taiwan's own foreign minister Joseph Wu on Wednesday discounted the idea of imminent war. And most of the rest of the region sees Australia's extravagant public language as spoiling for a political fight with China whereas countries like Japan have systematically consolidated their position with the new US Administration while keeping relations with Beijing on as even a public keel as possible.

(continued)