Chinese state media takes aim at Dutton over research ship comments
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The news: Chinese government mouthpiece the Global Times has lashed Opposition Leader Peter Dutton for his comments about a research ship’s activities off the southern coast of Australia, accusing him of “beating the drums of war”.
The context: In response to a question from Capital Brief on Tuesday in Melbourne, Dutton said he was concerned that the Tan Suo Yi Hao, a Chinese research vessel, may be collecting intelligence on Australia’s undersea cables.
He also said the Albanese government had given conflicting accounts, and that it was unclear whether the Australian Border Force or Defence Force were monitoring the vessel.
"It is unbelievable that the prime minister can't explain to the Australian people what is happening here," he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he would prefer that the Chinese vessel wasn’t operating off the country’s southern coast but that similar circumnavigations of the country had happened in previous years.
What they said: “Some Australian politicians just don’t get it. They try to block the improvement of China-Australia relations, constantly spewing harmful rhetoric and hijacking the relationship, only for their personal benefit,” the Global Times editorialised.
“China is not a threat. On this point, Australia can sleep soundly. It does not have to be this paranoid.
“Unsurprisingly, Albanese's remarks have drawn criticism from the opposition party and some media outlets.
“Peter Dutton, leader of the opposition, accused him of "weakness" on national security. The real issue isn't that 'China's research vessel poses any actual threat,' but rather the timing — just ahead of Australia's national election in early May.
“For the opposition, especially its leader Dutton, this election could be his last chance to run for office. That's why Dutton has begun beating 'the drums of war' against China again.”
