[Epoch Times November 11, 2021](Epoch Times reporter Li Rui comprehensive report from Sydney, Australia) On November 11, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison refuted former Prime Minister Paul Keating’s remarks on China (the Chinese Communist Party). ) The assertion that Australia does not pose a threat refers to Keating’s “not clear” current situation on the China issue.
Keating served as the 24th Prime Minister of Australia from 1991 to 1996. In a speech at the National Press Club on Wednesday (November 10), the former Labour Prime Minister said that in Australia’s domestic political debates, the threat to the existing world order and international security has been exaggerated.
Keating stated that Beijing “is not trying to overthrow” the existing world system, but only wants to “reform it.”
Keating also stated that “Taiwan is not a vital interest for Australia” and Australia has no strategic interest in maintaining Taiwan’s autonomy and should not participate in any conflict between the United States and China surrounding this disputed territory.
On Thursday (November 11) morning, Morrison responded to Keating’s remarks by saying that Keating “cannot see” the current situation.
According to the Australian newspaper, Morrison said: “As we all know, we have taken a very tough stance in the Indo-Pacific region to safeguard Australia’s interests. We work closely with allies and partners throughout the region, not only the United States, but also There are Japan and India, as well as many countries in ASEAN, and we work closely with them to ensure that we will not be swayed.”
“… To ensure Australia’s interests, you must be strong.
“You must be able to see the current situation clearly.
“This is why we have invested more in national defense than at any time since World War II.
“I think Australians understand this….”
The current opposition leader, Anthony Albanese, was unwilling to reveal whether he agrees with Keating’s views on Radio 9’s “Today” program on the 11th, but he said: “China (the Communist Party) has changed its position, and Australia has also changed its position. That should be the case. We will always adhere to Australian values.”
Former Labor Party Cabinet Minister: Keating’s assessment of the CCP is completely wrong
Former Labor Party cabinet minister Stephen Conroy stated that Keating’s assessment of China (the CCP) in the new global order was “absolutely wrong” and accused Keating of turning a blind eye to Xi Jinping’s control of power.
Conroy told Sky News on Wednesday (November 10) that Keating was “completely wrong….”
“Since Xi Jinping came to power, the world has undergone fundamental changes,” he said. Keating “can’t always wave his hands and turn a blind eye to the behavior of the Chinese president.”
Conroy said that the Chinese dictator “lives in fear of his own people”, which is evident in the surveillance state that “suppresses dissent.”
“He carried out a de facto genocide against Uyghurs… Uyghur re-education camps should shock people,” he said.
“It really disappointed me to see him defending these atrocities.”
Liberal senator questioned Keating’s influence from the CCP
Australian Senator Eric Abetz told The Epoch Times, “It’s regrettable to see the same, outdated, erroneous and misleading view of China by this former prime minister.”
“Keating said,’China is not trying to overthrow the existing world order’,’it is not the old Soviet Union pursuing some kind of international ideology,’ but this is exactly the goal of China (the CCP).”
“People can’t help but ask how much he (Keating), as a member of the China Development Bank’s International Advisory Committee, (this institution) has influenced his views.”
Editor in charge: Zong Minqing#
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(Caden Pearson, a reporter from The Epoch Times Australia, contributed to this article)
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