David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

My question is directed to the Hon. Don Farrell in his capacity representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Defence. Since becoming foreign minister, Senator Wong has repeatedly stated that re-engaging with China on a diplomatic level is the first step to stabilising the two country's relationship. Last week, China responded to the announcement about the $368 billion nuclear powered submarine deal by saying that the US, UK and Australia are completely disregarding the concerns of the international community and 'walking further and further down the path of error and danger'. Isn't it true that whatever efforts your government was making to repair relations with China through diplomatic means, they have now been fundamentally sabotaged by this hawkish push from Defence and the US and UK arms industries?