Peter Dutton blasts China’s ‘irrational’ response to AUKUS alliance

The Defence Minister says the angry reaction, and threats of retribution, are out of line given Beijing’s military expansion.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Defence Minister Peter Dutton has labelled China’s angry reaction to the AUKUS security alliance between Australia, the US and Britain, and subsequent threats of retribution as “irrational” given Beijing’s own military expansion.

Mr Dutton told Sky News on Sunday a number of countries had received similar threats and it was important Australia was “realistic” about China’s increasing dominance. “We see it more and more regularly, and it’s unsettling and it’s unnecessary, to be honest,” he said.

Mr Dutton said the AUKUS alliance was for “security, strengthening our own position and important alliances (and) targeting the desire to see increased stability and peace in our region”.

“The response by China to that, I think 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 said Canberra needed to be realistic about Beijing’s “posturing” and the way its outlook had changed “quite dramatically” under President Xi Jinping.

“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,” he said.

“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 Korean President Moon Jae-in.

As foreshadowed by The Australian last month, Mr Moon and Prime Minister Scott Morrison will use the visit – marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the countries – to formally elevate the relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”.

Asked if the government could learn from South Korea‘s diplomatic approach to China, Mr Dutton said an excellent working relationship with Beijing was “paramount” due to trade and the Chinese diaspora community living in Australia.

However, Australia would not surrender its democratic values and sovereignty in the process.

“Our problem is with the Chinese government, not with the Chinese people, and we want to make sure that we can do everything to see peace continue in our region because it’s in the best interests of us and our friends as well,” he said.