Paul Keating Critiques Media's China War Predictions

On March 7, 2020, the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) and The Age published a front-page report titled "Red Alert," which warned of a potential Chinese attack on Australia within three years. This report was authored by a panel of five national security experts and suggested that Australia should prepare for war much sooner than the official government timeline of ten years. The report's alarming predictions sparked significant debate and criticism.

The Guardian

Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating has publicly condemned the "Red Alert" series, labeling it as misleading and irresponsible. On the third anniversary of the report, Keating reiterated his disdain for its primary author, Peter Hartcher, and the editorial decisions made by the SMH. He stated, “None of the claims have materialised,” emphasizing that the predictions have not come to fruition. Keating characterized the series as “one of the most shameful episodes in the history of Australian journalism,” criticizing its sensationalist portrayal of China.

The Guardian

Keating's criticisms are echoed by other commentators. Paul Barry, a media analyst, described the series as hysterical and hyperbolic. In a 2023 article, journalist Margaret Simons gathered opinions from various foreign affairs specialists who deemed the reporting pretentious, irresponsible, and even implicitly racist in its depiction of China. Keating accused the then-editor Bevan Shields of allowing Hartcher to create a narrative that exaggerated the threat posed by China, suggesting that the report was influenced by a group of “handpicked anti-China accomplices.”

The Guardian

In his statement, Keating also pointed out that while China has not engaged in military aggression against other states for nearly fifty years, the United States has a history of military interventions, referencing a recent attack on Iran. He questioned the editorial judgment of the SMH, asking how Hartcher could remain in his position as international editor despite the criticisms leveled against him. Keating expressed hope that the new editor, Jordan Baker, would adopt higher journalistic standards.

The Guardian

While Keating and other critics argue that the "Red Alert" series was alarmist, proponents of the report maintain that it was a necessary warning about potential threats. The debate continues over the accuracy and implications of the predictions made by the panel of experts.

The Guardian

• “None of the claims have materialised.” — Paul Keating, Former Prime Minister

The Guardian

• “The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age ‘Red Alert’ series, replete with lurid images of Chinese military aircraft descending upon Australia, represents one of the most shameful episodes in the history of Australian journalism,” — Paul Keating, Former Prime Minister

The Guardian

• “But notwithstanding this delinquent and wilful episode, Peter Hartcher to this day, remains the international editor of both papers. How maladroit do you have to be before the management decides your copy has no value – before management is obliged to drop you?” — Paul Keating, Former Prime Minister

The Guardian

Keating's remarks highlight a significant divide in perspectives regarding national security reporting in Australia, particularly concerning the portrayal of China.

The Guardian