Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian has called certain Australian politicians “troublemakers” and has advised them to abandon their cold war mentalities.
"As a country that has long benefited from cooperation with China, it is unethical for Australia to hype a 'China threat' theory, nor is the allegation consistent with facts ... It will end up hurting itself," he said.
The statement follows Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo’s ANZAC day staff address saying, “drums of war” are beating in the region.
Current and former Australian politicians have warned the chances of war with China are rising.