Former Australian official points to China as the most definite threat to Asian peace, calls for rebuilding combat readiness
Former Australian Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo warned that China represents the most definite threat to peace in Asia, urging Australia to rebuild its strategic and moral combat readiness.
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- 📰 Published: April 25, 2026 at 17:54
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- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 25, 2026 at 18:16 (14 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency reporter Chiu Te-chen, Sydney, 25th) Mike Pezzullo, former Secretary of the Australian Department of Home Affairs, said that today, the most definite threat facing peace in Asia is an undeterred China prepared to wage war in pursuit of conquest. He pointed out that Taiwan's own actions, especially if Taiwan significantly strengthens its defense capabilities, will affect the decision-making of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Pezzullo reminded that Australia must "rebuild its strategic and moral combat readiness" to prepare for potential future wars in the Pacific region.
Pezzullo had previously published an article titled "Ready to fight for our freedom" in "The Australian" on Anzac Day, April 25, 2021.
At that time, Pezzullo was the Secretary of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. He emphasized that Australia and its freedom-loving allies must be prepared to fight for freedom, claiming that the "drums of war" were already beating; he reminded Western countries that they should not appease dictatorial forces running rampant just to avoid war.
Five years later, on this Anzac Day, Pezzullo again published an article in "The Australian," titled "'Lest we forget' also means being ready for the fight."
Pezzullo pointed out: "Today, the most definite threat facing peace in Asia is none other than an undeterred China, ready to wage war in pursuit of conquest."
He stated in the article that under Xi Jinping's leadership, China is assessing its odds of winning a war. If Xi Jinping believes the risks of peace are greater than the costs of war, the likelihood of war increases.
Pezzullo believes that how Xi Jinping makes his decisions will depend on how he interprets the counter-resolve of the United States and its allies.
He noted: "Taiwan's own actions, especially if Taiwan significantly strengthens its defense capabilities, will also affect these decisions."
Pezzullo said: "The US's willingness to strengthen Taiwan's capabilities, reinforce its own forward deployment, disperse its forces (including deploying to northern and western Australia), and continue building regional deterrence with allies will have a decisive impact on Xi Jinping's decision-making."
He believes that in Xi Jinping's process of weighing the pros and cons, he will certainly also consider the actions of Japan, South Korea, Australia, and even the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Pezzullo warned that Australia is not yet prepared for the possibility of a war breaking out in the Pacific region in the near future. He wrote: "We have bet our stakes on the noble cause of peace (i.e., 'avoiding war at all costs'); once war breaks out in the Pacific region, we will not be able to prepare for self-defense in time."
Pezzullo urged that in response to the Chinese threat, Australia must "rebuild its strategic and moral combat readiness." "Even if we think the probability is only 10%, we need to immediately take more measures to be ready for battle." (Editor: Chen Yen-chun) 1150425
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Pezzullo reminded that Australia must "rebuild its strategic and moral combat readiness" to prepare for potential future wars in the Pacific region.
Pezzullo had previously published an article titled "Ready to fight for our freedom" in "The Australian" on Anzac Day, April 25, 2021.
At that time, Pezzullo was the Secretary of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. He emphasized that Australia and its freedom-loving allies must be prepared to fight for freedom, claiming that the "drums of war" were already beating; he reminded Western countries that they should not appease dictatorial forces running rampant just to avoid war.
Five years later, on this Anzac Day, Pezzullo again published an article in "The Australian," titled "'Lest we forget' also means being ready for the fight."
Pezzullo pointed out: "Today, the most definite threat facing peace in Asia is none other than an undeterred China, ready to wage war in pursuit of conquest."
He stated in the article that under Xi Jinping's leadership, China is assessing its odds of winning a war. If Xi Jinping believes the risks of peace are greater than the costs of war, the likelihood of war increases.
Pezzullo believes that how Xi Jinping makes his decisions will depend on how he interprets the counter-resolve of the United States and its allies.
He noted: "Taiwan's own actions, especially if Taiwan significantly strengthens its defense capabilities, will also affect these decisions."
Pezzullo said: "The US's willingness to strengthen Taiwan's capabilities, reinforce its own forward deployment, disperse its forces (including deploying to northern and western Australia), and continue building regional deterrence with allies will have a decisive impact on Xi Jinping's decision-making."
He believes that in Xi Jinping's process of weighing the pros and cons, he will certainly also consider the actions of Japan, South Korea, Australia, and even the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Pezzullo warned that Australia is not yet prepared for the possibility of a war breaking out in the Pacific region in the near future. He wrote: "We have bet our stakes on the noble cause of peace (i.e., 'avoiding war at all costs'); once war breaks out in the Pacific region, we will not be able to prepare for self-defense in time."
Pezzullo urged that in response to the Chinese threat, Australia must "rebuild its strategic and moral combat readiness." "Even if we think the probability is only 10%, we need to immediately take more measures to be ready for battle." (Editor: Chen Yen-chun) 1150425
Choose to stand with the facts. Every sponsorship from you is the power to protect freedom of the press.
Download the CNA "First Hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio/video of this website are not to be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.