China is telling Australia that its “One China” policy is a prerequisite for the development of Australia-China ties. That was the word from China’s foreign ministry on Monday after Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton had said on Sunday that conflict with China over Taiwan should not be “discounted”.
Speaking to ABC Insiders, a political program at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Dutton said Beijing was very clear about its reunification goal. "People need to be realistic about the activity," Dutton added. "There is militarization of bases across the region. Obviously, there is a significant amount of activity and there is an animosity between Taiwan and China."
At a daily news briefing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China sought "peaceful reunification," and urged Australia to "fully understand the high sensitivity of the Taiwan issue". Wang reiterated China’s stance that Taiwan is a part of China and that other countries should not interfere with China’s domestic affairs. Taiwan however has been self-governed since 1949 and insists that only the people of Taiwan can decide its future.
Wang also called on Canberra to "stop interfering with normal exchanges and cooperation between the two countries". Dutton has warned of further acts on China-related deals. Australia cancelled two infrastructure deals negotiated with China by the Victorian government last week. Australia’s relations with China have worsened since Canberra called for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus. China has retaliated through trade measures.