Paul Keating Accuses Nine Newspapers of ‘Shameful’ Reporting on China Threat
Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating has renewed his criticism of Nine Newspapers, specifically The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, accusing them of misleading the public with a 2023 prediction of a Chinese attack on Australia. Keating issued a strongly worded statement on Friday, March 6, 2026, marking the third anniversary of the newspapers’ “Red Alert” series.
The ‘Red Alert’ Series and Initial Concerns
In March 2023, Nine Newspapers published the “Red Alert” series, warning that Australia needed to be prepared for a potential conflict with China within three years. The report, authored primarily by international editor Peter Hartcher and Matthew Knott, relied on assessments from national security experts who believed the timeline for potential conflict was shorter than official government estimates. The series suggested Australia faced a significant threat of “full-scale war” with China.
The report stated, “The overwhelming source of danger to Australia is from China.”
Keating’s Response and Criticism
Keating initially condemned the series as “the most egregious and provocative news presentation” he had witnessed in over 50 years of public life, comparing it unfavorably to historical instances of sensationalized reporting. He has repeatedly attacked the reporting and Hartcher personally, using harsh language. In his latest statement, Keating described the series as “one of the most shameful episodes in the history of Australian journalism.” He criticized then-editor Bevan Shields for allowing Hartcher to publish the report, accusing him of relying on “handpicked anti-China accomplices.”
Keating further stated that China has not attacked another state in nearly half a century, apart from a brief border conflict with Vietnam in 1979, and contrasted this with the military actions of the United States.
Hartcher’s Defense and Previous Disputes
Peter Hartcher responded to Keating’s criticisms in 2024, defending his reporting and accusing Keating of being “Australia’s foremost apologist for the Chinese Communist Party.” He also criticized Keating’s “bloody-mindedness in retirement” and alleged an “autocratic tendency.”
Wider Criticism of the ‘Red Alert’ Series
The “Red Alert” series faced criticism from other media commentators, including Paul Barry on Media Watch, and foreign affairs specialists. Margaret Simons, writing for Guardian Australia in 2023, reported that specialists described the series as “pretentious,” “irresponsible,” and potentially “implicitly racist” in its portrayal of China.
Changes in Nine Newspapers’ Leadership
Bevan Shields stepped down as editor of The Sydney Morning Herald last year and was replaced by Jordan Baker. Keating expressed hope that Baker would establish “amoral standards of journalism” at the paper.
Nine and Hartcher declined to comment on Keating’s latest statement.