“All countries’ defence and security co-operation needs to contribute to regional peace and stability and must not target any third party or undermine their interests,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian.
“China urges parties concerned to abandon the outdated Cold War zero-sum mentality and narrow geopolitical mindset,and do more things that are good for regional peace and stability and mutual trust among all parties.”
The ABC’sFour Cornersreported on Monday that the US was planning to build dedicated facilities for up to sixB-52 bombers at the Tindal air base in the Northern Territory to deter China from invading Taiwan or attacking US bases in the region.
The comments from China’s Foreign Ministry were relatively restrained but military experts in Chinese state media have made more direct threats.
“The B-52s cannot protect Australia,but will only draw fire upon it,” Chinese military expert Zhang Xuefeng told state media. “After all,it is not difficult to develop an ‘Australia Express’.”
Ashley Townshend,a senior fellow for Indo-Pacific security at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace,said China’s missile capability undermined American military dominance in Asia.