Australia must walk a fine line with China and accept conflict with Taiwan will never be “completely resolved”, John Howard says. 

The former prime minister has admitted he’d be concerned about Australia’s tense relationship with China, the nation’s largest export destination.

Speaking with Laurel, Gary & Mark, Mr Howard said today’s leaders need to see both sides of the coin.

“We have a self-interest in keeping good relations with China but we have an even greater interest in sticking up for our own democratic values,” he said.

“That means we have to identify to some degree with Taiwan’s cause.

“It’s uncomfortable, it’s uneasy, it’s tense but it’s better than having a shooting war.”

Press PLAY below to hear how he says Australia would achieve both 

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