Chinese state media has criticised one of Australia’s top intelligence chiefs after he warned Beijing was part of an “emerging axis” of countries helping to “kill innocent Ukrainians” by backing Russia’s invasion.
On Wednesday the head of Australia’s National Intelligence Office Andrew Shearer told the Raisina Down Under conference in Canberra that China was providing Moscow with “dual use assistance” critical to its campaign in Ukraine.
NATO has made a similar accusation, saying Beijing has been covertly helping Russia by supplying it with semi-conductors and other electronic components which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
“The massive provision by China of dual use assistance to Putin, and economic support and diplomatic support, is keeping Putin’s army in the field in Ukraine, killing innocent Ukrainians just as surely as if they were providing artillery, ammunition and missiles,” Mr Shearer said.
China insists it has not sided with Russia and wants to help bring peace to Ukraine.
But Mr Shearer said that Beijing’s assistance was actually part of an “emerging axis” with Iran and North Korea which appeared intent on sending Moscow critical war materials, pointing to Iran’s supply of drones, and North Korea’s provision of missiles, ammunition and combat troops.
“This is a profoundly troubling strategic development, and we are all grappling to catch up with it and put in place effective measures, but I think this is one of the strategic challenges of our time,” he said.
The comments drew criticism in Chinese state media, with the nationalist online magazine Global Times accusing Mr Shearer of trying to invoke the ‘Axis of Evil’ rhetoric adopted by US president George Bush ahead of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq.
“Some Western countries have seized on China’s normal trade relations with Russia to concoct baseless allegations of military support, yet they have failed to provide any substantial evidence,” it wrote.
“Australia must recognise that constantly amplifying the ‘China threat’ narrative will only harm Australia, sowing seeds of distrust and tension where cooperation should prevail.”
The paper also criticised Australia’s military support to Ukraine, saying Western countries were guilty of prolonging the conflict by continuing to supply Kyiv with weaponry, ammunition, and equipment.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing Chinese, Iranian and North Korean support for Russia’s invasion of the country, according to Australian intelligence. (Reuters: Kevin Lamarque)
Australia has provided military support to Ukraine worth around $1.3 billion – most recently by gifting 14 rigid hull boats to the country earlier this week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was asked about Mr Shearer’s assessment on Friday morning, but he didn’t comment on China’s role in the conflict.
“Our position is clear, that we oppose Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine,” he said.
“We have consistently provided our support to the people of Ukraine, led so ably by President Zelenskyy.”
