The Chinese embassy in Australia released a statement saying Foreign Minister Penny Wong, as well as her counterparts in the US and Japan, were “reversing good from evil” in their response to the military exercises in China in the Taiwan Strait.
A statement issued Friday by the foreign ministers of the three countries said China’s recent actions “seriously affect international peace and security.”
China carried out “precision missile strikes” in waters off Taiwan on Thursday as part of military exercises that have raised tensions in the region to their highest level in decades after the visit of the Speaker of the United States House, Nancy Pelosi. (AP)
“Instead of expressing sympathy and support for 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 of wrong.”
The embassy also warned that Australia risks creating “new problems” in its relationship with China.
A member of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army looks through binoculars during military exercises. (AP)
“The one-China principle is a solemn commitment by successive Australian governments. It must be strictly adhered to and fully respected,” he said.
“It should not be misinterpreted or compromised in practice. We hope that the Australian side will view China-Australia relations with a serious attitude, respect the facts, uphold justice and abandon the wrong stance.
Countries with the highest military spending in the world
“We also hope that the Australian side can handle the Taiwan issue with caution, not follow the strategy of certain countries to contain China with Taiwan, and not create new problems and disturbances in China-Australia relations.”
The foreign ministers’ statement, however, said there is “no change in China’s respective policies, if any, and the basic positions on Taiwan of Australia, Japan or the United States.”
Speaking today on Sunday, federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said China’s statement was “exaggerated”.
“This action by China is disproportionate and destabilizing,” he said.
“Under Albanian government, we will say what we believe, call it what we see and act in Australia’s national interests and in accordance with our values.”
Chris Bowen said China’s statement is “exaggerated”. (9 News)
Bowen said Australia would make statements “calmly” and “carefully” even if other nations disagreed.
“China is entitled to its opinions and we are entitled to ours,” he said.
The federal opposition has backed the approach, with deputy opposition leader David Littleproud saying the government is doing the right thing today.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition David Littleproud backed the Albanian government over its stance on China. (9 News)
“They are following exactly what we were doing in government,” he said.
“I think it’s important that we don’t overreact, but it’s proportionate and I think Penny Wong has done that with our partners, especially the Japanese.”