In a stark warning delivered during his Australian speaking tour, former Trump administration Pentagon chief of staff Kash Patel has declared that Australia faces an "existential threat" from the Chinese Communist Party's growing influence operations.
The controversial former US official, speaking at a private event in Melbourne, claimed that China is systematically working to undermine Australian democratic institutions and sovereignty through sophisticated influence campaigns.
Direct Challenge to Australian Sovereignty
"What we're witnessing is a direct challenge to Australian sovereignty," Patel stated during his address. "The CCP doesn't just want to be your largest trading partner - they want to dictate terms across every aspect of Australian society and governance."
Patel, who served in key national security roles under President Donald Trump, argued that Australia has become a primary target for Chinese political interference due to its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region and its close alliance with the United States.
Call for Stronger US-Australia Alliance
The former intelligence committee staffer emphasised the urgent need for strengthened cooperation between Washington and Canberra to counter what he described as "unprecedented political warfare" being waged by Beijing.
"The AUKUS partnership is a good start, but we need to go much further," Patel asserted. "We need integrated intelligence sharing, coordinated economic measures, and a united front against CCP aggression in the South China Sea and beyond."
Mixed Reactions from Australian Officials
Patel's comments have generated divided responses within Australian political circles. Some conservative politicians have welcomed his blunt assessment, while government officials have maintained their commitment to balancing economic ties with China against national security concerns.
The speaking event itself attracted both supporters and protesters, highlighting the contentious nature of Australia-China relations and the polarising figure of Patel himself.
Background of Controversial Figure
Kash Patel's career has been marked by controversy, from his role in the Trump administration's Russia investigation response to his involvement in various national security debates. His Australian tour represents his latest effort to influence international security policy discussions.
Australian security analysts note that while Patel's warnings align with some government concerns about foreign interference, his solutions may prove more divisive in a nation carefully navigating its relationship with its largest trading partner.
The event comes amid ongoing tensions between Australia and China, though recent months have seen some diplomatic thawing between the two nations following several years of strained relations.
