China’s military and coast guard exercises around Taiwan during 1-2 April were deeply concerning.

Australia strongly opposes actions that increase the risk of accident, miscalculation and escalation.

As we have said on previous occasions, these military exercises were disproportionate and destabilising. Differences should be resolved through dialogue, not with the threat or use of force or coercion.

Australia does not want to see any unilateral change to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is in all our interests.

Australian officials have raised concerns with Chinese officials.