Shadow Home Affairs and Cyber-security Minister James Paterson has called on the Albanese government to clarify their stance on joint military operations with China after their ambassador Xiao Qian voiced an interest in the initiative.
“I am deeply sceptical that closer military relations or joint exercises with the Chinese Communist Party is possible in the current strategic environment given their posture in the world,” he said.
Mr Paterson voiced his expectation of the Albanese government to act swiftly and rule out such an initiative but also added a cynical footnote.
“I note that, when he was the shadow minister for Defence, Richard Marles gave a speech in China in which he did urge closer military relations and closer operations with the Chinese Communist Party and the PLA,” he said.
“I think he should clarify it today – whether or not he agrees with this request of the Chinese Ambassador and whether or not he endorses it.”
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