China’s ominous South China Sea warning to Australia

China’s state-controlled media has bluntly warned Australia’s warships to stay out of the South China Sea or risk the “bitter pill” of confrontation.

In an editorial published overnight inThe Global Times, Australia is described as “the war hound” of the United States.

“As a warhound of the US, Australia should restrain its arrogance. Particularly, its warships must not come to China’s coastal areas to flex muscles, or else it will swallow the bitter pills,’’ the editorial states.

“Australian special forces murdered 39 Afghan civilians and prisoners. Killing innocent people is trampling on human rights no matter what. But Canberra has the nerve to put itself on the moral high ground of human rights. How arrogant and shameless the Morrison government is!”

China maintains a maritime militia in the South China Sea - officially called the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM) that plays a key role in Beijing’s strategy to enforce its disputed sovereignty claims.

Asia Institute fellow Rowan Callick told news.com.au that the Global Times editorial was a clear reference to the South China Sea.

“Australia has refused to do these freedom of navigation protocols. It’s a warning that if we change our strategy and participate in these freedom of navigation cruises something may or may not happen,’’ he said.