The acting prime minister insists there is little the federal government can do to fend off ongoing Chinese criticism of Australia as Beijing hits back at international condemnation of its military exercises in the Taiwan Strait.
Key points:
- Richard Marles says a more diplomatic approach with China may do nothing to improve relations
- China has threatened to continue conducting combat exercises around Taiwan
- Taiwan’s foreign minister has thanked the countries that have favored China
Australia has joined other nations in condemning Beijing’s decision to expand military exercises around Taiwan, prompted by a visit to the island by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Chinese officials said Australia’s condemnation was undermining regional peace and stability and amounted to meddling in their affairs.
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles dismissed that accusation and said it was up to China whether relations with Australia thawed or deteriorated again.
“If engaging in a more respectful and diplomatic way gets us somewhere, yes, and if it doesn’t, no,” Marles said.
“We can only control our end of this equation. But we will always speak for the national interest.”
Taiwan has been preparing air raid shelters and conducting drills as Chinese military air and naval combat exercises have ramped up on the island.
Taiwan appreciates “brave” nations coming closer to China
At a media briefing yesterday, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu expressed his gratitude to the nations that had supported his country.
“Taiwan is grateful to all its friends around the world who have bravely stood up to condemn China’s actions and support Taiwan,” Wu said.
“It also sends a clear message to the world that democracy will not bow to the intimidation of authoritarianism.”
The People’s Republic of China has threatened to continue regular exercises as it pursues its decades-long goal of bringing Taiwan under Beijing’s rule.
Marles asked China to end its combat exercises and maintain the status quo.
“I think there would be a sigh of relief around the world if we saw a de-escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait,” he said.
“It is critical that we return to a much more peaceful and normal set of behaviours.
“What we’re seeing there is very concerning.”
Wu warned that China was testing agreements that had been in place for decades.
“The middle line of the Taiwan Strait has been there for decades, safeguarding peace and stability as well as the status quo across the Taiwan Strait,” he warned.
“And China is trying to tear it apart.”
Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian will make a speech at the National Press Club later today.