Government downplays Payne comments regarding China threat

The Turnbull Government is trying to downplay reports suggesting it considers China a threat to Australia's national security. Image: Marise Payne, with Malcolm Turnbull behind her (AAP)

Source: AAP

The controversy comes after the United States defence secretary identified countering China and Russia as the top US national-security priorities when he released a new strategy this month.

Australia's defence minister, Marise Payne, was then reported over last weekend as saying Australia shared similar concerns