August 9, 2022 10:17 p.m
Defense Minister Richard Marles has described China’s decision to hold new military exercises in Taiwan as “deeply troubling”.
He spoke this morning after Taiwan held its own drills on Tuesday to stress it was ready to defend itself.
“What we need to see is a de-escalation of tensions in the region,” he said.
“This is what we have been asking for. This is what is in Australia’s interests, but also in the global interests.”
Beijing announced new drills yesterday after holding four days of military exercises last week. He has not announced when the new ones will end.
Marles refused to be swayed by the comment that US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last week had provoked China.
But he stressed the federal government would always act in Australia’s interests over Taiwan.
“We will be guided by this in a very clear assessment of what our national interest is.
“And right now, we’re really focused on making sure we’re building the strength of our Defense Force, building its capability, so we can keep Australians safe.”