The Chinese Embassy in Australia released a statement saying Foreign Minister Penny Wong, as well her counterparts from the USA and Japan, was “reversing right from wrong” in her response to China’s military drills in the Taiwan Strait.
A statement released by the three countries’ foreign ministers on Friday said China’s recent actions “gravely affect international peace and security”.
“Instead of expressing sympathy and support to the victim, the Australian side has condemned the victim along with the perpetrators,” the Chinese Embassy statement said.
“This is completely putting the cart before the horse and reversing the right from the wrong.”
The Embassy also warned Australia was at risk of creating “new troubles” in its relationship with China.
“The one-China principle is a solemn commitment by successive Australian governments. It should be strictly abided by and fully honoured,” it said.
“It should not be misinterpreted or compromised in practice. We hope the Australian side should view China-Australia relations with serious attitude, respect facts, uphold justice and abandon wrong standing.
Countries with the highest military expenditure in the world
“We also hope that the Australian side could treat the Taiwan question with caution, does not follow certain countries’ strategy of containing China with Taiwan, and does not create new troubles and disturbances in China-Australia relations.”
The foreign ministers’ statement, however, said “there is no change in the respective one China policies, where applicable, and basic positions on Taiwan of Australia, Japan, or the United States”.
Speaking on Today on Sunday, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said China’s statement was “over the top”.
“This action by China is disproportionate and it is destabilising,” he said.
“Under the Albanese government, we’re going to say what we believe, we’re going to call it as we see it and we’re going to act in Australia’s national interests and in accordance with our values.”
Bowen said Australia will make statements “calmly” and “carefully”, even if other nations do not agree.
“China is entitled to their views and we’re entitled to ours,” he said.
The federal opposition has backed the approach, with Deputy Opposition Leader David Littleproud telling Today the government is doing the right thing.
“They’re carrying on from exactly what we were doing in government,” he said.
“I think it is important that we don’t overreact but it’s proportionate and I think Penny Wong has done that with our partners, particularly the Japanese.”
