China-Australia relations: Beijing accuses Canberra of ‘exaggerating threat of war’ over Taiwan

Chinese defence ministry spokesman says comments coming from Australia are provocative and damaging

It was the second time in a month Beijing has urged Canberra to abide by the one-China principle

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Relations between China and Australia have been fractious for more than a year. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 8:49pm, 27 May 2021Updated: 9:35pm, 27 May 2021

China criticised Australia on Thursday for recent references to war when remarking on the Taiwan issue, with Beijing denouncing such comments as irresponsible.

“We express strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the recent provocative actions on Taiwan-related issues by Australia,” said Tan Kefei, a defence ministry spokesman and senior colonel, at a regular press briefing.

“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 Australia was solely responsible for the serious difficulties facing China-Australia relations. He said China hoped the Australian side would not venture further down the wrong path and believed Canberra could do more to improve relations between the two countries and their militaries.

Tan called on the Australian side to adhere to the one-China principle, because it was “the common consensus of the international community”.

It was the second time in a month China has responded to Australia’s comments about Taiwan.

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