Zhao Lijian

Some Australian politicians, out of their personal interests, are eager to stir up confrontation and hype up war threats, which is extremely irresponsible and against the will of the people, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Wednesday, in response to the recent "drums of war" remarks made by Secretary of Australian Department of Home Affairs Michael Pezzullo.

"They are the real troublemakers," Zhao said.

"We urge some Australian politicians to abandon the Cold War mentality, stop making irresponsible remarks and do more things that are conducive to regional peace and stability," Zhao said.

He added that he has noticed many Australians have also expressed their dissatisfaction over such remarks on social media and called the provocative comments appalling and insane.

China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and defender of global peace, and China's development is an opportunity for the world, Zhao said.

Australia has long benefited from its cooperation with China, so Australia's ramblings about the so-called China threat are untrue and immoral. It will eventually shoot itself in the foot, Zhao added.

In a recent speech, Pezzullo said Australia's military alliance with New Zealand and the US has protected the country, and today "free nations" again hear the "drums of war" beating, which is widely believed by the Australian media to be aimed at China.

Global Times