Rogue senator Jacqui Lambie aims her missiles at China: She fears a ‘Chinese communist invasion’
ROGUE senator Jacqui Lambie has unleashed an astonishing attack on China, declaring Australia should have missiles ready to launch in a bid to stop our grandchildren becoming “slaves” to a “Chinese communist invasion”.
The aggressive slur on Australia’s biggest trading partner followed her PUP leader Clive Palmer’s racist rant in which he called the Chinese government “mongrels” who kill their own people.
The double-barrelled PUP blasts against China sent senior government ministers scurrying for the phones to reaffirm our $150 billion relationship with the Asian powerhouse.
Last night the Chinese Embassy labelled the pair’s words “absurd and irresponsible”.
“We believe that a sound China-Australian relationship serves the fundamental interests of both countries. It is and will always be supported by the two peoples,” an embassy statement said.
Their comments are doubly chilling given Mr Palmer and Senator Lambie hold the balance of power in Australia.
Senator Lambie said Australia’s defence budget should be doubled to $60 billion.
“If anybody thinks we should have a national security and defence policy which ignores the threat of a Chinese communist invasion, you’re delusional and got rocks in your head,” Senator Lambie said.
“Both Labor and the Liberals-Nationals have failed to build an Australian military that is able to defend us and stop our grandchildren from becoming slaves to an aggressive, anti-democratic, totalitarian foreign power.”
Senator Lambie took to radio 2GB to reiterate her comments late yesterday, but added Australia had arm itself.
“We need to look into missiles,’’ she said.
“We need to do whatever we can to arm ourselves. We need to double our troops ... and spend extra on firepower.’’
Chinese-born PUP senator Dio Wang defended his leader, saying Mr Palmer was provoked into the outburst.
“From personal experience I have found Clive to be consistently respectful and supportive throughout our relationship in both the private sector and now in the political arena,” he said.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop personally phoned the Chinese Ambassador to reaffirm that PUP’s statements did not reflect Australia’s views on China. She described the pair’s comments as “offensive, unnecessary and unacceptable for a member of parliament”.
Trade Minister Andrew Robb said Australia’s trade relations with China were critical. “We not only greatly value the contributions Australian Chinese are making to our community but we are also determined to deepen our trade, investment and people-to-people links with China.’’
Treasurer Joe Hockey told Mr Palmer not to bring Australia down with his business issues.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten backed the government’s views. “Using that kind of language to describe one of Australia’s good friends is irresponsible,” he said.
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