China state media's chilling warning urges preparation for NUCLEAR 'showdown' with USA
CHINESE state media has said Beijing must prepare for "an intense showdown" with the US, sparking fears of all-out conflict.
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The editor of state-run newspaper Global Times said his country should reach the quantity of nuclear warheads “that makes US elites shiver.” Hu Xijin weighed in on China’s stance towards the United States in an op-ed piece.
He wrote: "We must be prepared for an intense showdown between China and the US.
“The number of China's nuclear warheads must reach the quantity that makes US elites shiver should they entertain the idea of engaging in a military confrontation with China."
He also voiced his support for "rapidly" building up the number of commissioned nuclear warheads.
Chinese hostility in the South China Sea has led to cooperation between the US and Australia’s militaries.
Karen Andrews, Australia's Home Affairs Minister, stressed that the move was a “message” but that the two nations were not “alarmed”.
She said: “It’s sending a very strong message that we are alert, we are not alarmed.
“But we are doing all that we can to be prepared.”
She went on to thank the USA for its backing.
Ms Andrews said: “The United States is a very strong ally of Australia and we will continue to work with them.”
Australian Greens leader Adam Bandt warned the cooperation could push the country into a “devastating” armed conflict.
He said: "There is a real risk that if Australia just does whatever the US wants that we are leading ourselves closer to a war.
“That would be devastating.”
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