World War III a 'possibility' amid China-Taiwan tensions

Australia must be ready for the "possibility" of a major international conflict between western and eastern powers should Xi Jinping's China decide to take Taiwan, according to ASPI Senior Analyst Dr Malcolm Davis.

It comes as tension has further escalated between China and Taiwan after Chinese fighter jets were seen off the island's coast.

"It's a possibility – we shouldn't kid ourselves that that sort of major power conflict couldn't happen," Dr Davis told Sky News Australia.

"And you mention Russia – I have no doubt that they would try to exploit the situation perhaps by making a move against NATO's eastern frontier in the Baltic states.

"So yes that is a possibility but we have to be ready for it – the alternative to do nothing is to basically let China have its way in the Indo-Pacific region and that would be almost catastrophic."

Dr Davis said China fully expects to face US and allied nations in conflict should it attempt to take Taiwan.

"I think they're quite ready for that.

"When you look at how the PLA's modernisation has occurred over the last few years – they're actively preparing to fight and defeat the United States in war.

"So they understand that – they know what the stakes are – and they cannot afford to let Taiwan remain de facto independent.

"From Xi's perspective – they must take Taiwan and they're going to certainly try."

[Valkaze]

China: I’m gonna invade Taiwan
Taiwan: I’m in danger!
Poland: First time?

[markhayes]

Ever since Trump has gone the world is a more dangerous place

[Zurround]

My question is this: Can we have a 3rd world war WITHOUT nuclear weapons being used??

[maxxfx]

Wouldn't have happened with Trump in charge

[DOWNUNDER.]

Everybody is forgetting the input of japan, india, Malaysia, Indonesia, sth korea and the Philippines.
Not to mention vietnam

[OldPervertedHerbert]

“Hmm Trump no longer President? Zombie Joe in office? We strike now!” - Winnie the Pooh

[Anthony-ylu]

when nobody wants to pay their bills WAR turns their eyes somewhere else.

[Hatermo]

Me who lives near Taiwan and China:
*I feel disturbance in the force*

[danielvonliechtenstein]

After watching the treatment that Australia is giving its people, I am of the opinion that Australia belongs closer together with China and North Korea.

[socialmedia]

I'd imagine they would act a lot sooner considering the current US administration, they would take advantage of that

[davidshillaker]

I hope this never happens. I don't want to see the world in a state of chaos at this scale

[nunyabizness]

I can't imagine the US doing anything about it with Brandon in office...

[keenanvaughn]

Let's do it and get it over with.
Going by what Albert Einstein said, I got a stick for ww4.

[woodspirit]

Better change your gun laws so your citizens can protect themselves.

[al]

Just a friendly reminder: Be careful what you wish for!

[opencarry]

The irony is they are talking about this when the Australian regime has declared war upon its own citizens.

[scottlewisparsons]

This is what happens when the United States president is weak.

[dawnstcentury]

Australian news is just like American news: raised voices, fearmongering, blowing things out of proportion.

Sort of a Facebook of news channels.

[patrickpereira]

Bring it on this Covid World is fudged!

[marcomarc]

One thing that history taught me, WW starts from invasion