China’s ambassador to Australia has delivered a stunning address at the National Press Club, addressing Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan and escalating tensions.

Xiao Qian highlighted the importance of the trade relationship between China and Australia, but admits the friendship has soured over recent years.

He also rejected the word “invasion” but said China would use “all necessary means” to reclaim Taiwan, escalating tension in the region.

The director of defense, strategy, and national security program at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Michael Shoebridge, spoke to Neil Breen about the key points from the ambassador’s address.

“In fact the ambassador’s speech was just the same messages from Beijing but in a much friendlier wrapping,” he said on Brisbane Live.

“He’s a very urbane, worldly person and he tells a beautiful story but in that story there is almost an invisibility to the Chinese government, and there’s really no acknowledgment that they are conducting huge violent aggressive military actions around Taiwan and Japan.”

He said he failed to take accountability for the action’s of his government, in what he describes as “shameless showmanship”.

“I found it a little bit insulting, for him to behave that way.”

Press PLAY below to hear more of his insights

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