China looking to use the uncertainty borne from the pandemic 'for its own strategic gains'

Recent clashes between Chinese and Indian troops shows Beijing is using the instability borne from the global pandemic for its own "strategic aims," according to Liberal backbencher Andrew Hastie.

On Tuesday, the Indian army claimed 20 of its soldiers were in killed in border clashes with Chinese troops.

The development marks a major escalation following a stand-off between the two sides in the western Himalayas lasting several weeks.

Mr Hastie told Sky News China is "looking to leverage" global instability for its own aims.

"Under the cover of the pandemic, certainly the Chinese Communist Party is looking to leverage as much of the instability and uncertainly for their own strategic advantage," he said.

Of course this increases the risk for strategic miscalculations, tactical actions on the border of India and China can have strategic consequences, which is why we need to dial it down and everyone at the same table talking to one another."

Видео China looking to use the uncertainty borne from the pandemic 'for its own strategic gains' канала Sky News Australia