Dutton slams Labor’s failure to speak out against CCP military aggression in Australian waters.
The opposition leader emphasized his capability to better manage Australia’s relationship with the US.
As the federal election approaches, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized the Albanese government for failing to address the military aggression of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) against Australians in uniform.
“Self-censorship should never be the price a self-respecting country pays, especially a democracy like ours. Australia must be ready to rebuke any nation whose actions threaten stability in the region.”
Military Aggression
Dutton’s remarks came after the Chinese Navy conducted a live-firing exercise in the waters between Australia and New Zealand on Feb. 21.
Beijing notified Australia of this exercise through a radio broadcast on a civilian channel, and a Virgin Airlines pilot relayed the warnings to aviation officials.
Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the short notice caused concern for airborne flights, leading to several airlines altering their flight paths.
“This incident is unacceptable and displays a failure in diplomacy and defense at the highest levels,” Dutton stated.
Dutton pointed out that the CCP has been asserting itself militarily in Australia, often in aggressive ways that have endangered Australian servicemen and women.
He stressed that diplomatic, defense, and national security matters will weigh heavily on the minds of Australians.
“Australians understand that we currently face a more uncertain and risky world than in recent memory,” he mentioned.
Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton during a Liberal Party campaign rally in the seat of Chisholm, Melbourne, Australia on Jan. 12, 2025.
AAP Image/Diego Fedele
Dutton also assured that a Coalition government would not tolerate foreign interference targeting Australians of Chinese descent—or any other Australians.
“If I am in office, I will vigorously protect the rights and liberties of Australians like Kevin Yam and Ted Hui,” he noted.
Australian citizen Kevin Yam and Australian resident Ted Hui are activists from Hong Kong wanted by Hong Kong authorities for alleged national security breaches.
Dutton also acknowledged Australia’s significant Chinese diaspora, underscoring their contributions and integration into Australian society.
“Many Australians of Chinese heritage maintain ties with family in China. Therefore, a strong bilateral relationship serves the interests of both China and Australia,” Dutton emphasized.
Negotiating US Tariffs
Dutton emphasized his prior experience working with U.S. administrations, asserting that he is the preferred choice to lead the Australia-US relationship.
“I have effectively collaborated with the Obama Administration, Trump Administration Mark I, and Biden Administration,” he highlighted.
“A prime example of my ability to engage with foreign leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, is the successful negotiation of the AUKUS defense partnership.”
He criticized the Albanese government for failing to secure an exemption from the Trump administration’s steel and aluminum tariffs.
“Australia is now paying the price for Labor’s careless and derogatory statements about President Trump,” he remarked.
“If a Dutton Coalition Government is established, I will aim to meet President Trump in Washington early on to discuss how our respective national interests align.”
In an interview on the Today Show, Foreign Minister Penny Wong explained that the Trump administration is withholding an exemption due to their belief that granting tariff exemptions in their first term was a mistake.
