War fears as China vows punishment on Australia for Taiwan support.

War fears as China vows ‘punishment’ on Australia for Taiwan support. CHINESE media has warned Australia that Beijing could target the country's military bases in response to their support for Taiwan. Australia has a strong relationship with Taiwan, and backs the country’s independence from mainland China. In response, Beijing state media outlets have threatened to strike Canberra’s military bases as “punishment” for their support for Taiwan. The Global Times, a Chinese state media outlet, has warned “Australian hawks” not to get involved with Taiwan. Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of the outlet, said: “I suggest China make a plan to impose retaliatory punishment against Australia once it militarily interferes in the cross-Straits situation. “The plan should include long-range strikes on the military facilities and relevant key facilities on Australian soil if it really sends its troops to China's offshore areas and combats against the PLA (People's Liberation Army).“