China targets Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo - ‘irresponsible’, a ‘troublemaker’, 'outrageous' and 'crazy'.
Thursday, 29 April 2021
Here's the full question and answer in context:
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1872195.shtml
Note the question comes from China's official government newspaper, the Global Times.
Global Times: Amid growing tensions between China and the US over Taiwan, Australian Home Affairs Department Secretary Mike Pezzullo highlighted the "protection afforded to Australia" by its military alliance with the US and New Zealand. He said, "Today, as free nations again hear the beating drums... let us continue to search unceasingly for the chance for peace while bracing again, yet again, for the curse of war". Australia must be prepared "to send off, yet again, our warriors to fight", he added. His remarks are believed by many local media outlets to be aimed at China. Does China have any comment on this?
Zhao Lijian: Some individual politicians in Australia, out of their selfish interests, are keen to make statements that incite confrontation and hype up threat of war, which is extremely irresponsible and will find no audience. These people are the real troublemakers. I have noticed that many people in Australia have expressed disapproval on social media, saying that such inflammatory language are outrageous and extremely crazy.
China has been a promoter of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of international order. China's development means opportunities for the world. As a country long benefited from cooperation with China, Australia is being untruthful and immoral with its false allegation of "China threat theory". This will only end up hurting its own interests. We urge certain individuals in Australia to shake off the Cold War mentality, stop making irresponsible remarks and act in ways that are conducive to regional peace and stability.
ENDS
China is full-on playing the man!
For context, here's Mike Pezzullo's Anzac Day note to Home Affairs staff, published in full here: