Peter Dutton says China’s reaction to AUKUS was ‘irrational’

A senior politician has unloaded on Beijing as tensions between Australia and China continue to rise.

Peter Dutton has unloaded on China’s “irrational” reaction to a major security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US.

Peter Dutton has unloaded on China’s “irrational” reaction to a major security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison signed the deal in which Australia would acquire nuclear submarines in a major pact earlier this year.

In response, Beijing accused Canberra of engaging in an arms race and threatening the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

The Defence Minister has labelled China’s reaction to AUKUS ‘irrational’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

The Defence Minister said given China’s rapid military expansion, it was important Australia remained realistic about the nation’s increased presence in the region.

“We see it more and more regularly and it’s unsettling and it’s unnecessary to be honest,” Mr Dutton told Sky News on Sunday.

“The response by China to that, was irrational.

“I mean, to suggest that we’re in an arms race when we’re talking about acquiring nuclear powered submarines at a time when China (is) producing on a tonnage rate, more naval assets every 18 months than what the Royal Australian Navy has in its entire fleet.”

He added the government needed to remain clear eyed when it comes to Beijing’s posturing.

“It’s an uncertain time and we need to make sure that we’re bringing like minded countries together, friends, and those that share our values and outlook,” the Defence Minister said.

The relationship between Australia and China have been in the deep freeze for some time.

“Nobody wants conflict and we would avoid that at every chance. But we need to be realistic also about the posture of China and the Chinese government.”

Mr Dutton’s comments come ahead of an official visit from South Korea President Moon Jae-in.

The President and first lady Kim Jung-sook will arrive in Canberra on Sunday and have a busy schedule of meetings with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and other officials before their departure on Wednesday.

“It‘s a very important visit, it comes at the end of his term,” Mr Dutton said.

He added the trip is set to strengthen the bond between the two nations as the region grows wary of China.

The signing of the AUKUS alliance led to Beijing calling Australia a US lackey. Picture: Newswire/Gary Ramage

“There is a lot of concern from many countries within the region in relation to some of the bullying from the Chinese government,“ he said.

“We want peace and stability to prevail in our region and that is why we have close relationships with people of shared values. It is very important and probably more so than ever.”

Mr Moon is also set to meet with Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese later in the week.

Originally published as Peter Dutton says China’s reaction to AUKUS was ‘irrational’