Scott Morrison backs Peter Dutton’s warning to prepare for war with China

Scott Morrison has backed Peter Dutton in warning Australians that we need to be prepared for military conflict with China.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says it would be “foolish” to not appreciate the potential risks of going to war with China.

The PM’s comments came in response Defence Minister Peter Dutton saying a military conflict with China over Taiwan “should not be discounted”.

“Of course there are many tensions that exist in the region, and it would be foolish of Australia to not appreciate the potential risks that emerge,” said Mr Morrison on 7.30 on Wednesday.

“That doesn’t mean something will happen but any Defence Minister, any Prime Minister of Australia who do not, in consideration of these things, ensure Australians are prepared in these circumstances would not be doing there job.”

Scott Morrison has supported his Defence Minister Peter Dutton in warning Australians they should be prepared for a military conflict with China. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Mr Morrison supported his Defence Minister’s position, saying it was based off information from their advisers.

The statements from the Prime Minister are expected to continue to brouhaha with the country’s biggest trading partner.

Late last month, Mr Dutton angered the Chinese when he criticised the country’s position on Taiwan.

Mr Dutton said Australia must be “realistic” about China’s antagonistic behaviour, saying: “There is militarisation of bases across the region. Obviously there is a significant amount of activity and there is an animosity between Taiwan and China,” he said.

Asked about the prospects of a “battle” over Taiwan, Mr Dutton said: “I don’t think it should be discounted”.

Mr Dutton said Australia wanted to continue being a “good neighbour” in the region, adding “nobody wants to see conflict”.

“But we do have a difference of opinion with the ideals of the Communist Party of China. Let’s be very frank about that,” he said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin wants Australia to stay out of China’s issues with Taiwan. Picture: Greg Baker

Australia does not formally recognise Taiwan at a diplomatic level, but has regularly called for a “peaceful resolution” of differences between China and the small independent nation.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the communist country wanted a peaceful reunification with Taiwan.

“We hope that Australia will fully understand the high sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, adhere to the One China principle, be cautious in its words and actions, refrain from sending any wrong signals to the secessionist forces of Taiwan independence,” Mr Wang said.

Originally published as Scott Morrison backs Peter Dutton’s warning to prepare for war with China