The acting Prime Minister insists there is little the federal government can do to ward off constant Chinese criticism of Australia, as Beijing lashes out against international condemnation of its military drills 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 countries that have stepped up to China
Australia has joined with other nations to condemn Beijing’s decision to extend military drills around Taiwan, triggered by a visit to the island from United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Chinese officials said condemnation by Australia was undermining regional peace and stability, and amounted to meddling in its 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, diplomatic way takes us some way down a path, it does — and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t,” Mr Marles said.
“We can only control our end of this equation. But we will always be speaking up for the national interest.”
Taiwan has been preparing air raid shelters and conducting drills as Chinese military air and naval combat exercises have increased around the island.
Taiwan thanks ‘courageous’ nations stepping up to China
In a briefing to media yesterday, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, expressed his gratitude to the nations that had supported his country.
“Taiwan is grateful to all of its friends around the world who have stood up courageously to condemn China’s actions and to support Taiwan,” Mr 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 drills as it seeks its decades-long goal of bringing Taiwan under Beijing’s rule.
Mr Marles called on China to end his combat exercises and maintain the status quo.
“I think there would be a sigh of relief around the world if we were to see 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 are seeing there is very concerning.”
Mr Wu warned China was testing agreements that had been in place for decades.
“The median 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 wreck that.”‘
Chinese ambassador Xiao Qian is set to deliver an address at the National Press Club later today.
.