Analysis

Australia gives Europe another wake-up call on China

The Defence Strategic Review’s clarity on the challenge from Beijing stands in contrast to the Continent’s muddied waters and muddled messages.

Hans van LeeuwenEurope correspondent

Updated Apr 25, 2023 – 3.57pm, first published at 4.53am

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London | The clear warnings on China’s assertiveness and military build-up that emanate from Australia’s Strategic Defence Review stand in sharp contrast to the muddied waters and muddled messages coming out of Europe.

While former Soviet-bloc countries in Eastern Europe rev up support for Taiwan, French President Emmanuel Macron recently publicly mused on whether China’s intentions are any of Europe’s business.

Hans van Leeuwen covers British and European politics, economics and business from London. He has worked as a reporter, editor and policy adviser in Sydney, Canberra, Hanoi and London.