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Keating Slams Media for Misleading China Threat Coverage

3/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating criticized the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age over the Red Alert series, calling the third-anniversary predictions misleading.
He described the reporting as hyperbolic and racially charged, noting that China has not attacked a country in decades.
Keating said Peter Hartcher remains the international editor despite the controversy.
He argued the real threat comes from the United States, citing recent military actions.

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Story summary

Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating criticized the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age over the Red Alert series, calling the third-anniversary predictions misleading.
He described the reporting as hyperbolic and racially charged, noting that China has not attacked a country in decades.
Keating said Peter Hartcher remains the international editor despite the controversy.
He argued the real threat comes from the United States, citing recent military actions.