Peter Dutton Revives China Rhetoric as Defence Spending Takes Centre Stage
Three years ago, on Anzac Day and during an election campaign, then-defence minister Peter Dutton made headlines with his stark warnings about China’s growing influence. Speaking on the Today Show following a dawn service, Dutton likened the current geopolitical climate to the 1930s, warning that peace could only be maintained by being ready for war.
His comments came amid heightened global tensions — Russia had recently invaded Ukraine, and China had signed a security deal with the Solomon Islands. At the time, the Morrison government leaned heavily into national security as a campaign issue, framing itself as the only party capable of protecting Australia, and questioning Labor’s loyalty with aggressive messaging. This included trucks paid for by conservative group Advance, featuring images of Xi Jinping casting a vote for Labor.
This approach backfired among Chinese-Australian voters, contributing to the Liberal Party’s loss in key electorates like Reid, Bennelong, Chisholm, and Tangney. Post-election analysis showed a swing of 6.6 per cent against the Liberals in seats with high Chinese ancestry, well above the national average. The party’s review noted the importance of rebuilding trust with the Chinese community.
Shifting Tone, Same Message
Since then, Dutton has been more cautious in his messaging. He’s attended Chinese-Australian community events and assured voters that he supports a strong relationship with China, even claiming it would be better under his leadership than under Anthony Albanese’s government.
Still, Dutton’s hardline stance on national security remains. When three Chinese warships circled Australia recently, he criticised the Prime Minister’s response as “weak” and “limp-wristed” — later apologising for the language but not the criticism.
His new defence funding pledge suggests he’s putting action behind the rhetoric. The Coalition is promising to raise defence spending from just over 2 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent within five years, and to 3 per cent over the next decade — far above Labor’s target of 2.3 per cent by 2033-34.
Higher Taxes for National Security
To fund this plan, Dutton proposes scrapping Labor’s recently legislated tax cuts and redirecting that money toward the military. While he hasn’t directly said taxes will rise, that’s the practical effect of the policy. He’s banking on public support for higher defence spending, even if it means paying more.
Dutton argues that the global situation — and particularly China’s stance on Taiwan — warrants this investment. He warned that a naval blockade in the region is among the scenarios defence experts are considering.
His rejection of Australian involvement in Ukraine peacekeeping, he says, is a strategic decision based on preparing for threats closer to home.
