‘Desperado stuff’: Government slammed for national security and China tactics

A prominent Labor Minister has come out swinging against the government’s approach to the national security debate.

The government’s attempted discrediting of the Labor party on national security and China was broadly condemned on QandA on Thursday.

Opposition frontbencher Chris Bowen came out swinging against the government, calling the tactic “disgusting”.

Scott Morrison used Thursday’s Question Time as an opportunity to double down on assertions that China favoured Labor to win the next election.

“The leader of the Labor Party is the Chinese government’s pick at this election,” Mr Morrison said, repeating the controversial claim from earlier in the week.

Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen came out swinging against the government’s assertions on China.

Mr Bowen said on all relevant issues regarding China and national security, the Labor Party’s stance was aligned with that of the government.

“On every single strategic matter, the Labor Party has acted in the national interest. There has not been one policy difference,” Mr Bowen said.

“It is utterly irresponsible, deeply reprehensible and entirely inaccurate and frankly, it’s desperado stuff from the government in the lead up to the election.”

He referenced Taiwan, the South China Sea, Hong Kong and Huawei as examples where both parties had openly opposed China.

“Our biggest asset as a country is not our political hardware … it’s our national unity,” Mr Bowen said.

“Because [the government sees] a little, potential focus group-driven political opportunity they decide to … rip up that unity.”

International relations expert, Lavina lee said the government was undermining its own position by appearing politically motivated.

Senior Lecturer in international relations at Macquarie University, Dr Lavina Lee said the Government was undermining its own position on China by appearing to be motivated more by politics than genuine security concerns.

“The government has a lot to be proud of for really taking world leading positions on standing up to China,” Dr Lee said.

“I really didn’t think the government needed to go down this path.”

She added that among voters there were “some doubts” about whether Labor would have as strong resolve on China.

She referenced former Labor politicians Paul Keating and Bob Carr, who have on a number of occasions advocated a less aggressive approach to dealing with China.

“I think the current Labor party needs to come out a bit more strongly and refute those positions,” Dr Lee said.