There are warnings a war could erupt with China as it scales up its military.

Expert Dr Oriana Skylar Mastro has predicted China will be ready for war in six to seven years.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute Defence, Strategy and National Security Program Director Michael Shoebridge told Ben Fordham “we need to do something about it”.

“The first core priority for the [Chinese military] is to unify Taiwan with the mainland.

“It certainly wouldn’t be Australia against China … it would look more like … a real international event.”

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Image: Getty/nik wheeler