China Opposes Australia's Military Buildup, Citing Exaggerated "China Threat"

China's Ministry of National Defense has expressed grave concerns over Australia's military buildup and the potential expansion of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) trilateral security alliance.

The ministry's spokesman, Wu Qian, stated that this move would severely undermine peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Wu Qian strongly criticized Australia's actions, claiming that the military buildup is based on exaggerating the "China threat" as a pretext. He emphasized that China is a cooperation partner for all countries, not a challenge, and that the Asia-Pacific region should be a stage for peace and development, not a ground for geopolitical competition.

The spokesman accused the US, UK, and Australia of disregarding the concerns of regional countries and the international community by sending signals of AUKUS expansion, which has deeply concerned many regional countries. He urged these nations to avoid actions that may undermine regional and global peace and stability.

Why this matters: The escalating tensions between China and Australia, as well as the potential expansion of the AUKUS alliance, have significant implications for geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. The situation highlights the complex challenges in maintaining regional stability and the need for diplomatic efforts to address concerns and prevent further escalation.

Wu Qian also rebuked recent comments by US officials regarding the Taiwan question, stating that all destabilizing activities in the Taiwan Strait come from interference and trouble-making by the US. He warned that any attempt to interfere in the Taiwan question through military cooperation would constitute meddling in China's internal affairs, violate the one-China principle, and undermine the basic norms of international relations, posing a threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The Chinese defence spokesperson emphasized that the People's Liberation Army will safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will not tolerate any "Taiwan independence" separatist activities or external support. He urged Japan to learn from history and act prudently on military and security issues.

Wu Qian reiterated that China firmly opposes the formation of exclusive groupings or military alliances targeting China, stating, "The AUKUS alliance is a product of the Cold War mentality upheld by the U.S., UK, and Australia, and it will only exacerbate tensions, provoke confrontation, and disrupt peace in the Asia-Pacific region." He called on other countries to fulfill their international obligations and avoid actions that may undermine regional and global peace and stability.

Key Takeaways

• China expresses grave concerns over Australia's military buildup and AUKUS expansion.
• China claims the military buildup is based on exaggerating the "China threat" as a pretext.
• China warns AUKUS expansion will undermine peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
• China rebukes US comments on the Taiwan question, stating it violates the one-China principle.
• China opposes the formation of exclusive groupings or military alliances targeting China.