We can’t discount conflict with China over Taiwan, says Australian defence minister

“I don’t think it [conflict] should be discounted,” Dutton said in a television interview on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation when asked whether the prospects of a conflict over the island are growing.

He added that China has been increasingly clear about its reunification ambitions.

“People need to be realistic about the activity,” Dutton said. “There is militarisation of bases across the region. Obviously, there is a significant amount of activity and there is an animosity between Taiwan and China.”

He added that while there is a high level of preparedness for the Australian defence force to meet any threats in the region against the country’s allies, Canberra will work to try to maintain peace.