Australians are more worried about being attacked by China than their Taiwanese counterparts are, research suggests.
One in 10 Australians believe China will attack, which is double the number in Taiwan who fear a similar offensive, according to the Australia Institute.
The institute’s International and Security Affairs Program also found almost one in four Australians believe Beijing will launch an attack on Taiwan in the near future, compared with just one in 20 of the island’s people.
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And about 70 per cent of people from both Australia and Taiwan think the island should become an independent state if it can maintain peaceful relations with the Chinese government.
Most members of the United Nations, including Australia, do not recognise Taiwan as a separate country.
Taiwanese soldiers fire artillery during a live-fire drill in on 9 August, 2022. Source: AAP, EPA / Ritchie B. Tongo
The research reveals an increasing fear of Beijing and the possibility of war.
During heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait following
, the Australia Institute surveyed two groups of 1,000 people, one each in Australia and Taiwan.
Beijing fired at least 11 missiles near Taiwan after the trip, with the island’s government claiming it amounted to a simulated invasion.
About 60 per cent of participants from both groups said they would suffer defeat in a war against China.
Men from both Australia and Taiwan were more confident of defending a Chinese military attack than the women surveyed.
The research found slightly more Australians (85 per cent) than Taiwanese (80 per cent) perceived China as aggressive.
But both groups said it was the United States who was the aggressor.
Almost double the number of Australian men (49 per cent) as women (26 per cent) believe the country will be prepared to enter into a conflict if Beijing threatened Australia with military action.
The vast majority of both Australian and Taiwanese participants think it’s in everyone’s interests for China and the US to work towards maintaining peace.
The Australia Institute’s International and Security Affairs Program director, Allan Behm, said it was “astonishing” more Australians than Taiwanese were afraid of an attack.
“The more that the anti-China lobby beats the drums of war, the more afraid of China Australians become,” he said.
“This research indicates that the rhetoric on China and the fearmongering around the a risk of war has had an impact on public opinion.
“The results support the case for a reset in the Australia-China relationship and the manner in which we hold this important national conversation.”
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army launches a missile during long-range, live-fire drills targeting maritime areas east of Taiwan on 4 August, 2022. Source: AAP, AP / Wang Yi
The Albanese government urged Beijing to halt its military activities out of concern over possible “miscalculations” and reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China policy.
Mr Behm praised Foreign Minister Penny Wong for her handling of the relationship.
In an address to the National Press Club, China’s ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian said there was “no compromise” on Taiwan, and his nation’s 1.4 billion people would decide its future.
