China has called on Australia to honor its political commitments regarding Taiwan following a diplomatic dispute over recent military exercises in the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese Embassy in Australia issued a statement on January 1, 2026, condemning what it described as "fact-distorting" remarks from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The tensions arose after DFAT expressed concern about the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) military drills near Taiwan earlier this week. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy emphasized that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, stating: "The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and tolerates no external interference."
The statement linked recent U.S. arms sales to Taiwan with increased regional instability, accusing Washington of emboldening "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. "Such moves transform Taiwan into a powder keg," the spokesperson warned, describing the PLA exercises as legitimate actions to protect national sovereignty.
China-Australia relations, which have shown gradual improvement since 2024, now face renewed strain. The embassy stressed that adherence to the one-China principle remains the foundation of bilateral ties, urging Canberra to "stop condoning separatist activities" and create conditions for stable diplomatic relations.
Analysts suggest this development could impact Australia's trade negotiations with Chinese mainland partners, particularly in critical sectors like minerals and agricultural exports. The situation underscores ongoing challenges in balancing regional security concerns with economic interdependence across the Asia-Pacific.
