KEY POINTS
- China's ambassador Xiao Qian says Australia should be on guard for a potential military threat from Japan.
- The remarks were made during a New Year's press event at China's embassy in Canberra.
- Earlier, Mr Xiao said he hoped 2023 heralds a strengthening in ties between Australia and China.
China's ambassador to Australia invoked World War Two in his criticism of Japan, saying that the country's actions in that conflict means it could launch a military attack against Australia again.
Xiao Qian made the comment during his New Year's address at the Chinese Embassy in Canberra on Tuesday.
Responding to a question about remarks from Japan's ambassador to Australia on China's actions in the region, Mr Xiao said "Japan is a great country" but he takes issue with those who have a "twisted way of looking at the relationship between China and Australia".
"If we forget history, history might repeat itself," he said, adding that he hoped Australia would "be careful about what might happen in the future".
It comes as Mr Xiao criticised the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US), and signalled a further thawing in trade relations.
Mr Xiao said Japan's conduct during World War Two, including the treatment of Australians as prisoners of war, was "unacceptable" - and the response afterwards means the threat of a future attack against Australia might be possible.
"The Japanese government has not apologised for that up to today ... They don't apologise, that means they don't accept this wrong, and then they might repeat the history.
"... Once somebody threatens you, he might threaten you again.
"I hope that our Australian government, and Australian people would have a clear mind about what happened, and be careful about what might happen in the future."
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China's ambassador to Australia slams AUKUS deal
SBS News
10/01/202304:29
Japan's ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, said he was taken aback by the strength of the criticism.
"Honestly, I'm a bit baffled and perplexed," he later told the ABC.
"I have no intention whatsoever to respond to any specific comment made by my Chinese counterpart because I don't believe this is a time to engage in mutual recriminations. If he has anything to say, he can come to me anytime. My door is open."
He said the reference to World War Two is a distraction from China's actions.
"We all know the post-war trajectory of peace-loving rules-abiding Japan. So what is at issue here is not what took place more than 80 years ago," he said.
"What is at issue here is how to deal with coercion and intimidation going throughout the region. And here, Australia and Japan are in total sync. We are working together to uphold the rules-based order, both regionally and globally."
AUKUS criticised
Mr Xiao also criticised the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the UK and the US, labelling it a waste of money and not in Australia's interest.
"I don't think it's constructive. I don't think it's helpful, particularly when you're targeting China as a potential threat and adversary. China is not seeking to be an enemy to the United States - neither with the United Kingdom, nor with Australia," he said.
"So there is no reason for the countries to stand together to work on something that is targeting China as a particular threat."
The trilateral AUKUS agreement would see Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines by 2040.
Mr Xiao said Australia acquiring the submarines would send the wrong signal about nuclear non-proliferation.
Movement on trade
Earlier, Mr Xiao signalled a further thawing in trade relations, saying he could not confirm reports that four Chinese companies were granted approval to buy Australian coal, but he welcomed moves in that direction.
"As a diplomat, as ambassador, I cannot confirm the decisions or the thinking of the companies. But I personally do welcome that. As both governments make efforts to bring the relationship back to normal, we will be sending more positive messages to build up more confidence for people in both countries to come back to normal trade relations."
Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing in December. Source: AP / Zhang Ling
Mr Xiao also signalled a solution may be forthcoming on .
"I hope a solution will come as soon as possible but we need to respect the legal procedure," he said.
'Rise above differences'
Before taking questions from journalists, Mr Xiao spoke of his optimism and hope that 2023 would bring about a stronger bilateral relationship.
Making a toast, he said this year's Lunar New Year, the year of the rabbit, brings with it good luck and the hope that Australia and China can "rise above differences".
"The year of the rabbit is considered to be the year of jumping over obstacles and coming into good luck," he said.
"In the new year, I wish both China and Australia to prosper and I hope Australia and China continue to rise above differences."
China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, says with Lunar New Year 12 days away, the Year of the Rabbit brings with it "good luck" and he hopes that translates to strengthened bilateral ties between China and Australia. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins
Mr Xiao hailed the positive new "tone and future directions" of the bilateral relationship set out in the joint outcome statement from the meeting between Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
"Specifically we will restart bilateral dialogues, mechanisms and consultations covering a wide range of areas: the bilateral relationship, trade, economics, investment, climate change, regional issues and global issues," he said.
The ambassador said other "new frontiers" in bilateral cooperation included green energy and electric cars.
