Australia has been considering the deployment of a significant force in the South China Sea to act as a deterrence and put a stop to any conflict between Taiwan and China. Writing an opinion piece for PLA mouthpiece The Global Times, the editor-in-chief Hu Xijin suggests China prepare plans for military strikes against Australia.

“I suggest China make a plan to impose retaliatory punishment against Australia once it militarily interferes in the cross-Straits situation,” Mr Hu wrote.

“The plan should include long-range strikes on the military facilities and relevant key facilities on Australian soil if it really sends its troops to China’s offshore areas and combats against the PLA (People’s Liberation Army).”

Today, Australian senator Jim Molan proposed that Australia may be able to deter China by deploying “significant forces into the region.”

Tensions between Beijing and Canberra have escalated over the past year as China introduced nearly $20 billion in tariffs together with bans on exporting against Australia.

A few weeks ago, Michael Pezzullo, Australian Home Affairs secretary acknowledged tensions had risen even further, stating that the “drums of war” were getting louder.

Mr Hu continued to say that Beijing should send a strong message “to deter the extreme forces of Australia” from “committing irresponsible actions.”

He added that if Australia were to join forces with the US military, it would cause “disasters”.

Mr Hu’s comments come soon after the conclusion of a joint military exercise between China and Indonesia.

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The two southeast Asian countries held a series of war games which included attack formation manoeuvres, search and rescue operations and communication drills near Jakarta.

The most recent military exercise marks an improvement in the relationship between the nations which has been improving in recent weeks after Beijing offered to help recover the bodies of the Indonesian sailors who died after their submarine sank on April 21.

China has been exercising its dominance over the region for years, as it claims over 90 percent of the South China Sea as its own territory.

Speaking on when China might invade Taiwan, Senator Molan said: “There is a concern it might happen sooner rather than later.

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“For example, I say that such a scenario is certainly possible because everyone is armed.

“I say that it’s likely because not only are people armed but certain parties particularly China have been very aggressive and are arming themselves even more.”