The Nationals MP has 'welcomed' the meeting between Defence Minister Richard Marles and his Chinese counterpart but he warned Australia needs to 'see actions' before there is a belief tensions between Beijing and Canberra are easing.
Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce wants to"see actions" of change from China following the first face-to-face meeting between ministers in almost three years.met on the weekend at the Shangri-La Defence Summit in SingaporeMr Marles spoke with General Wei for one-hour in a"critical first meeting" about the countries' complex relationship in a"very frank and full exchange" and openly discussed concerns respective governments had about one another.
While Mr Joyce"welcomed" the dialogue, he warned China remained a threat following its influence in the Pacific region, which led to a signing of a security pact with Solomon Islands and the interception of an Royal Australian Air Force surveillance aircraft. "We’ve seen this before, we’ve seen the discussions, we’ve seen everything’s going to get better and at the same time they continue on their plan in the background remains absolutely and utterly targeted which is domination in the South Pacific and obviously the intimidation of us that we work under their terms."
"Look, I think talking is always better than not talking, so it was a very important meeting," she responded. Education Minister Tanya Plibersek said the meeting with China was"better than not talking". Picture: Liam Kidston
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Marles takes aim at China over bid to wield power ‘by force’Despite his fiery words, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles insisted Australia would be ‘respectful’ of China. ‘We all need to live together.’
Read more »
Marles takes aim at China over bid to wield power ‘by force’United States defence chief Lloyd Austin has hit out at China for its dangerous confrontations with an Australian aircraft over international waters. | ChrisBarrett_ and ErykBagshaw china unitedstates australia
Read more »
Marles hopes to talk to China counterpartDefence Minister Richard Marles is hoping there will be scope to have a conversation with his Chinese counterpart, after being introduced to General Wei Fenghe at an international gathering in Singapore.
Read more »
'Need to live together': Richard Marles eyes economic cooperation with China as US, allies trade barbsAt Asia's premier security meeting in Singapore, Defence Minister Richard Marles shared his vision of economic cooperation balanced with military deterrence against China for peace in the Indo-Pacific:
Read more »
Richard Marles says talks with China possible after first ministerial contact with Australia in two yearsDefence minister says complex times call for ‘proper diplomacy’ but has called on China to be transparent about its military buildup
Read more »
Marles outlines how Australia will now be approaching ChinaDeputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia's approach to China under the new Albanese Government 'will be anchored in a resolve to safeguard our national interests'.
Read more »