Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison has sharply criticized China's backing of Russia in the Ukraine war and announced the construction of a new base for nuclear-powered submarines on the east coast.

"No country would have a greater impact on Russia than China," Morrison said in a webcast speech for the prestigious Lowy Institute on Monday in Sydney.

However, Beijing has decided not to participate in condemning Russian aggression and sanctions against Russia.

But at this "crossroads in history," it is up to China to show that its commitments to peace and stability are more than words, Morrison said.

Till Fähnders

Political correspondent for Southeast Asia.

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Australia's Defense Minister Peter Dutton had previously spoken of an "unholy alliance" between Moscow and Beijing.

Without taking up the term, Morrison spoke of a new "arc" of autocracies coming together "instinctively" to create a new world order.

The rules-based order that has ensured peace and stability for decades is under attack.

He indirectly accused the two countries of a policy of "coercion and intimidation".

They set economic traps disguised as economic aid and exploited the openness of global institutions, free markets and liberal democracies to influence other countries.

Australia is dealing with the most dangerous security situation in 80 years, Morrison said.

Putin's war shows that even distant conflicts affect the situation in the Indo-Pacific.

Everything points to a bloody and protracted conflict.

According to the Prime Minister, Canberra wants to improve its "strategic deterrent capability" with the second submarine base.

The decision is related to Australia's plan to purchase nuclear-powered submarines.

It was announced as part of the new AUKUS security pact between Australia, the USA and Great Britain.

In return, Canberra failed a deal with France to build conventionally powered submarines.

The cities of Brisbane, Newcastle and Port Kembla are possible locations for the new base.

The costs are estimated at the equivalent of around 6.7 billion euros.

The background to Australia's armaments policy is China's power behavior in the Indo-Pacific.

The bilateral relationship between Australia and China has long been tense.

The Prime Minister also condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine.

He pointed out that Australia is providing defense assistance to the government in Kyiv.

"Our missiles are now in place," Morrison said.