Australian defence minister says conflict over Taiwan involving China ‘should not be discounted’

Peter Dutton says Australia is focused on maintaining good relations with Beijing but China has been very clear' about its plans for reunification

The Australian defence minister, Peter Dutton, has said a conflict involving China over Taiwan cannot be discounted but he insists the government's focus remains on having good relations" with Beijing.

Dutton was on Sunday asked about the prospect of a battle over Taiwan" following remarks from the former defence minister, Christopher Pyne, and the ex-prime minister, Tony Abbott, about China's expansionist plans in the region.