Canberra/Beijing: Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton warned that those who feel that the Chinese ambitions in the Indo-Pacific sector are limited only to Taiwan have not taken any lessons from history. Dutton stated this while speaking about the Australian defence policies changes given the increasing Chinese activities. China expressed intense displeasure over the statements made by Dutton and said that Australia should focus on its security.
Media and analysts are issuing repeated warnings that against the background of the Russia-Ukraine war, there is a possibility that China will attack Taiwan. At the same time, Taiwanese leaders and officials have taken a stand that Ukraine and Taiwan should not be compared. But the discussions are rife regarding this on the international level and the United States and other allies have initiated additional steps to increase cooperation with Taiwan. The United States has announced a new Indo-Pacific policy and the policy mentions that the United States will take the initiative to provide Taiwan with self-defence capabilities. 
A few days ago, the United States sent its destroyer to the Taiwanese marine region.
Along with the United States, allies like Japan and Australia also have initiated moves. Australia has made important announcements regarding modernising defence forces and increasing their capabilities. While justifying these announcements, Defence Minister Dutton warned about the Indo-Pacific’s Chinese ambitions. Along with Dutton, the Australian intelligence chief also has drawn attention to China, mentioning the Ukraine conflict. Australian intelligence chief Andrew Shearer indicated that China would enter a 
conflict on similar lines as Russia for domination in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan.
China gave an intense reaction to these statements made by Australia. Zhao Lijian, the spokesman of the Chinese foreign ministry, retorted, ‘If the Australian leadership has spare time, they should focus more on its security and other related issues. The real troublesome issue for the Indo-Pacific is the acquisition of nuclear submarines by Australia.’ At this time, he criticised the efforts for Taiwan’s independence and warned that such efforts would not be tolerated.
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