With regards the 5.5 billion wasted on defense re cancelled contract that is enough to equip the RAAF with 4 fighter squadrons or the RAN with 3 frigates.
Not insignificant.
And 80 billion for 8 nuclear subs is rich for me. Obviously they didn't haggle in any way let alone tender.
And Dutton with his sabre rattling has attracted the ire of our superpower neighbor and biggest trading partner.
And exert from the China foreign ministry.
Beijing says the Australian defense minister was seeking to score political points by clamoring for war
China has accused Australia’s defense chief of slander and making “wild remarks” over his comment that Australians should “
prepare for war.”
“
Certain Australian politicians often seek selfish political gains by making wild remarks to smear China and clamor for a war,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin
said on Tuesday.
“
Such despicable moves are seen through by the Chinese people and the international community.”
Commonsense dictates you build self defense in a non provocative way.
Whatever happens China will not sell out of our neighborhood so it's wise and unnecessary to avoid intemperate speech..