FOUR CORNERS: WAR GAMES
“If war breaks out, it will be total war . . Don’t think by providing air bases in the northern part of Australia it will be saving Australia” Chinese insider
Tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan are the highest since the 1970s. With President Xi Jinping publicly warning he will take Taiwan by force if necessary, military strategists are now war gaming just what such an act of aggression would mean for the Pacific and Australia.
“In a potential conflict with China over Taiwan, there is a chance that Australia could become a target. Particularly if Australia were to join the fight directly or were to provide additional over flight and access rights to U.S. forces.” US military strategist
On Monday Four Corners reporter Angus Grigg investigates how a war between China and Taiwan would play out. He talks to the experts who are mapping the war games and the impact they would have.
“It is likely to go on for weeks, if not months, if not longer. And as that happens, you’re going to have continued fighting and loss of life, not only for the United States and its allies and partners and China, but also on the ground in Taiwan with some of the civilians who are going to suffer the most from this conflict.” US military strategist
Some strategists are predicting an assault on Taiwan by China could happen as early as 2025. In any future conflict Australia would play a key role.
“We are willing to be the tip of the spear, to provide a base, not just for U.S. Marines, but most importantly, for their long-range power projection of heavy bombers. It’s very hard to think of a more open commitment that we could make, a more open signal to the Chinese that we are going along with American planning for a war with China.” Defence and security analyst
As President Xi secures an unprecedented third term in office there are warnings that it’s now a question of when not if a conflict over Taiwan will occur.
“Do I think the current environment is the most dangerous I’ve seen in my lifetime? That is a big question. I’ve had a long lifetime. . . . . In terms of this part of the world, this is the most dangerous situation I’ve experienced.” Former defence intelligence official
It is replayed on Tuesday 1st November at 11pm and Wednesday 2nd November at 10am. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEDT, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners
FOUR CORNERS: WAR GAMES – Monday 31st October 2022 at 8:30pm (AEDT) on ABC TV and iview.
Media Release – ABC
