‘Exercise power’ or China will think Australia is a ‘pussycat’: Alexander Downer

Former foreign minister Alexander Downer has called for the Albanese government to “exercise power and authority” after China’s flare stunt or Beijing will think Australia is “a pussycat and can pushed around”.

‘Exercise power’ or China will think Australia is a ‘pussycat’: Alexander Downer

A Chinese fighter jet dropped flares in front of an Australian Navy helicopter in international waters off the coast of South Korea on Saturday evening.

Defence Minister Richard Marles has labelled the incident ‘both unsafe and unprofessional’.

“This is a serious issue and one that should be taken up by the government,” Mr Downer told Sky News host Chris Kenny.

“I’m not sure about the prime minister, but certainly, the foreign minister and the defence minister should be making very strident representations to the Chinese government.

“The trouble is if you don’t, if you let these things pass, as happened with the sonar incident, well, China thinks Australia is just a pussycat and can be pushed around.

“China understands power, and it understands authority, and Australia needs to exercise power and authority in relation to these incidents so they don’t happen again.”