War of words: Australia can expect a hostile response from China to strategic defence review

Experts say Australia should look beyond criticism that is largely for domestic Chinese consumption and engage on a broader level

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Australia’s strategic defence review, to be made public on Monday, is likely to spark a hostile response from China and set off a new round of claim and counterclaim about the precarious relationship between the two countries.

Sir Angus Houston, the former head of the Australian military who led the review with the former defence minister Stephen Smith, said when it was launched last year the strategic circumstances were “the worst I have ever seen in my career and lifetime”.

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