Taiwan: Australia in ‘shootout’ as relations with China strain
Australia faces a “shootout” in any conflict between Taiwan and China and needs to invest in its own missile system, according to opposition defense spokesman Andrew Hasty.
Hastie said on Sunday Australia faces a “very bleak” strategic outlook amid China’s expansionist ambitions.
Tensions between Australia and China erupted after Foreign Minister Penny Wong accused Beijing of firing a salvo of ballistic missiles into waters around Taiwan’s coastline and said the exercises were “disproportionate and unstable”. did.
The Chinese embassy has accused Canberra of “pointing the finger” and claiming it was a victim after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan.
“It is absolutely unacceptable to criticize China’s legitimate actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Chinese embassy said in a statement.
“We are categorically against this and categorically condemn it.”
Hastie told an ABC insider on Sunday that Australia needs to invest in its defense capabilities, including fuel stockpiles, nuclear submarines, ammunition and long-range missiles.
He stressed that he favored Australia building its own Australian-made and owned missiles rather than allowing the US to place its missile systems here.
“The bottom line is that if there is a conflict around Taiwan, we will definitely get gunned down, whether we are directly or indirectly involved around Taiwan,” Hasti said at ABC. told an insider.
“That’s why we need to strengthen deterrence. That’s why we need to demonstrate outstanding political and diplomatic leadership.”
He favored Australia building deterrence through diplomacy and said the country
a must be prepared to stand up for their neighbors if they are attacked by foreign invaders.
“Protecting our neighbors is a principled position, but it is also a principle born out of self-interest,” he said.
“If I don’t stand up for other countries, who will stand up for me?
“As a nation of just 26 million people on a vast continent, we need to have as many friends as possible.
“The days of ‘Fortune Land’ are over. It is dead and buried.
“Given this new development in the last decade, we need to think about how we can secure ourselves for the future.”
first published as Australia in ‘shootout’ as dispute with China over Taiwan escalates
Taiwan: Australia in ‘shootout’ as relations with China strain
Source link Taiwan: Australia in ‘shootout’ as relations with China strain
