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Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against “external interference” in the region because Australia ignored Beijing’s growing anger over its decision to purchase US nuclear submarines and pledged to defend China’s rule of law in airspace and waters. Betting on a hotly contested proposition.
In a speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Friday, Xi Jinping urged heads of state to “resolutely resist interference by external forces. [in] The countries in this region do not use any excuses to firmly control the future of our country’s development and progress in our own hands.”
His comments came after the United States, Britain and Australia announced the establishment of a security and defense partnership and Australia’s decision to purchase nuclear-powered submarines from the United States.
The Chinese state-owned publication “Global Times” also described Australia as “a pawn of the United States” and called it “naive” to fund it as “the American Cold War strategy.”
“If there is a military showdown in the region, Australia may face the most dangerous consequences of becoming cannon fodder.”
However, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison argued on Friday that China has its own “very substantial nuclear submarine construction plan.”
In an interview with 2GB Radio, he said: “They have every right to make decisions that are in the national interest for their defense arrangements. Of course, the same is true for Australia and all other countries.”
In a series of media interviews, Morrison stated that his government is responding to the changing dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region, where territorial competition is becoming increasingly fierce and competition is intensifying.
‘Legal rules’
In an interview with Channel 7 TV, Morrison stated that Australia “knows very well” about China’s nuclear submarine capabilities and growing military investment.
“We are interested in ensuring that international waters are always international waters, the international sky is always the international sky, and the rule of law applies equally in all these places,” he said.
Morrison said Australia wants to ensure that there are no “forbidden zones” in areas governed by international law.
“Whether it is used for trade, or for submarine cables, aircraft, and the places where they can fly, this is very important. I mean, this is the order we need to preserve. This is what peace and stability provide, and it’s us The goal is being sought to achieve.”
Australia’s decision also angered France, Lost the arms deal, but the main background of the Australia-US-British alliance is the rise of China.
China has sovereignty over most of the territories in the South China Sea, ignoring the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, declaring that it has no legal basis.
It has also built artificial islands in the South China Sea, built large runways and shipping docks, and reportedly installed missile systems in the Spratly Islands.
It rejected the competing claims of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam in the South China Sea.
China has also imposed severe trade sanctions on a series of Australian products. Australia generally believes this is a response to Canberra’s opposition to China’s investment in sensitive areas, questioning the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, and alleged human rights violations. In Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
‘Forever partner’
After meeting in Washington on Thursday, Australian Minister of Defense Peter Dutton and Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marys Payne pose with US Secretary of State Anthony Brinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin [Andrew Harnik/Reuters]Morrison stated that the new defense alliance prepared during 18 months of discussions with the United States and Britain will be permanent.
“It involves not only today but also a very important commitment forever. That’s why I call it a partnership forever. This will keep Australia safe and secure in the future,” he said.
Morrison said Australia’s defense spending will increase because the new alliance also requires more investment in network capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technology and subsea capabilities.
Morrison told the Australian media that so far, in his discussions with leaders of Japan, India, Singapore, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, the defense alliance has received “acclaim”.
The Indonesian government stated that it took note of the agreement “cautiously”.
“Indonesia is deeply concerned about the continued arms race and power projection in the region,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added in a statement.
During his visit to Washington to meet with his American counterparts, Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton was even more dismissive of the reaction of some Chinese officials and government-backed media to the deal, calling it “backfire, immature, and frankly. It’s embarrassing to say”.
Dutton said Australia is willing to take turns to receive more US Marines in the northern city of Darwin and hopes to see enhanced air capabilities.
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