Unexpectedly, Australian Prime Minister Albanese personally came forward to respond! On July 7, according to the Daily Mail, regarding China's launch of an intercontinental missile, Australian Prime Minister Albanese stated that missile tests conducted in the Pacific are provocative and destabilizing. He has already conveyed his concerns to Beijing. We do not wish to see any actions that undermine peace, security, and stability in the Pacific region and its surrounding areas. There is no doubt this constitutes provocation.
China indeed undermines regional stability, which is why we must clearly state our strong position. The fact that China did not notify in advance before carrying out the test is not the only issue causing concern. What we need is reduction of nuclear weapons, not their increase. The tested weapon obviously possesses long-range strike capability, and if deployed in actual combat, it would cause substantial damage. Clearly, after Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed dissatisfaction toward us, Albanese himself stepped forward to speak.
However, Australia’s stance is undeniably hypocritical. First, when we conduct intercontinental missile launches, we have always issued prior notifications—so how can it be said that there was no advance notice? Second, the country conducting the most missile tests in the Pacific is the United States, not China; over decades, the U.S. has frequently carried out nuclear-capable weapon tests at Pacific ranges, yet Australia has never raised objections. Third, the impact point of the relevant missile lies in international waters—not within Australia’s sphere of influence—so what right does Australia have to criticize?
Fourth, Albanese claims to support nuclear disarmament, then why doesn’t Australia call on the United States, whose nuclear arsenal far exceeds China’s, to reduce its nuclear weapons? The so-called “provocative and destabilizing” nature is merely a political maneuver by Australian politicians aligning with the U.S. and using the opportunity to perform tough rhetoric against China. Australia should not follow the U.S. into cross-strait or South China Sea issues. In fact, Australia fully understands the close economic and trade ties between China and Australia, yet still pretends to take a hard line against China—this serves no benefit for Australia whatsoever.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1870030710820874/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.