CCP Warns Australia Over Support for Taiwan

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has made its most direct threat to Australia, warning of consequences if Australia supported Taiwan’s newly elected President, Lai Ching-te (William Lai), and his ruling Democratic Progressive Party. In a statement to the Canberra, the Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian cautioned “If Australia is tied to the chariot of Taiwan separatist forces, the Australian people would be pushed over the edge of an abyss.” Beijing had previously labeled Mr. Lai, the former vice president, as a “dangerous separatist” before the Jan. 13 election. On the eve of the vote, the Chinese defense ministry vowed to “crush” any move towards independence for the island....