Canberra, Australia (AP) —Australia’s senior security officials warned staff that the free state would “listen to the heartbeat” of the war amid heightened military tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
A message to all departmental staff of Interior Secretary Mike Petsro on Sunday’s Australian Veterans Day, known as Anzac Day, was published in an Australian newspaper on Tuesday.
“In a world of constant tension and horror, the drums of war beat-sometimes slightly far away, and at other times larger and closer than ever,” Petzullo said.
“Today, the free nation hears the heartbeat again and is worried about the militarization of our problems, but until recently it was not thought to trigger a war. Again, the curse of war. For, “he added.
Interior Minister Karen Andrews said he had approved the wording of Petzullo’s message.
“He is absolutely free to prepare and publish such speeches and documents,” Andrews said. “The comprehensive message from the government is that we need to be vigilant, but not.”
Opposition senior Labor lawmaker Bill Shorten described Petzullo’s reference to the “drums of war” as “a fairly excited word.”
“I don’t know if our senior civil servants should use that language, because we don’t know what it really does, except to cause anxiety,” Schoten said.
Defense Minister Peter Dutton raised the prospect of a conflict between China and Taiwan in his own comments on Anzac Day.
“No one wants to see a conflict between China and Taiwan, or anywhere else in the world,” Dutton said. “I don’t think it should be discounted.”
In response to Dutton’s remarks, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Monday that Taiwan is part of China’s internal affairs, which does not tolerate outside interference.
“The Australian side is fully aware that Taiwan’s problems are very sensitive, adheres to one China principle, acts cautiously, and gives false signals to Taiwan independence separatists. We want to avoid and act in a profitable way, for peace and stability, “said the king.
Western Australia’s Prime Minister Mark Magawan, the Labor Party leader of the state that exports Australia’s most profitable exports of iron ore to China, calls on the federal government to “soften” words about military tensions. It was.
“I urge the federal government and those in this position to soften it, whether elected or not. Tone down,” mentions Petzullo’s “drum of war.” Then McGowan told reporters.
“Say that, what does it do? It’s completely unnecessary,” he added, adding that diplomacy should be done “diplomatically.”
Petzlo said this year marks the 70th anniversary of Australia’s defense treaty with the United States. He quoted US wartime generals Douglas MacArthur and President Dwight Eisenhower.
“Remember the warnings of two American generals who knew that the war was complete and cruel. We are the curse of war until we face the only wise course full of sorrow. We must always look for peace opportunities in it. Again, leave our warriors to fight the war of the country, “he said.
Australia needs to reduce the chances of war, but “don’t sacrifice our precious freedom,” Petzullo said.
Australia sparked an angry reaction from Beijing last week by canceling two China’s Belt and Road infrastructure deals with the Victoria State Government for national interests.
In a statement, Australia’s Chinese embassy said the decision “will cause further damage to bilateral relations and ultimately only hurt.”