Australia says China could use Ukraine ‘distraction’ to invade Taiwan — Analysis
The country’s defense chief vows to use ‘credible military force’ to deter Beijing, if needed
Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton warned China could use Russia’s conflict with Ukraine as a “distraction”To launch it “own acts of aggression”As many as 2,000 US soldiers deploy to Australia
In a speech to Australia’s United States Studies Centre on Wednesday, Dutton said Australia and the US were “in lock-step in our commitment to regional stability,”Before claiming that China could use conflict in Ukraine for its own purposes, “a useful distraction and an opportunity to pursue their own acts of aggression and coercion.”
“This threat emanates chiefly from Beijing, which has its own openly stated territorial ambitions, and which recently entered a ‘no-limits’ cooperative partnership with the Kremlin,”Dutton, he claimed.
Dutton claimed that Moscow was also present during the speech “long sought to weaponise the internet as a means of conducting a form of asymmetric warfare in the post-Soviet era,”And warned that Russia would win its war with Ukraine if it succeeded. “all free nations will face a darker tomorrow.”
Dutton’s comments were made amid reports that thousands of US troops would deploy to Australia this year, including – for the first time – 250 US Army troops.
China has been accused of inciting Beijing by the Defence Minister several times. “amassing nuclear weapons” “militarizing”.Dutton, who refused to exclude Australia from arming Taiwan against China this month, said that the Australian government was striving to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. “much sooner”It is now 2040 as opposed to the originally planned year.
Dutton claimed that it would be in November. This sparked controversy. “inconceivable”Australia must not join the US, if China took actions against Taiwan. Hu Xijin, editor of Global Times, warned that Australia would not join the US if it took action against China over Taiwan. “better be prepared to sacrifice for Taiwan island and the US”It will be the first time it does so.
Scott Morrison, Australia’s Prime Minister warned last week of a new threat to the country. “arc of autocracy”Was trying to “reset the world order.”
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