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The Communist Party of China is trying to make "an attempt to come out of the virus strategically ahead of the United States and any other country in the region," says the Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute Peter Jennings.

Mr Jennings told Sky News hosts Alan Jones and Peta Credlin "it's very clear to me" the deadly coronavirus pandemic "was not part of a biological warfare program".

"Frankly, it's not the type of agents that would be being developed".

He said the communist regime is "trying to position itself to be the military dominant power in the Asia-Pacific region in just a few months time" and has engaged in the "large scale purchasing of oil" which may be used for future endeavors in the region.

"What has happened here is that China is making an attempt to come out of the virus strategically ahead of the United states and any other country in the region".

"It's absolutely racing to do that, including with some very aggressive military maneuverings at sea, especially around Taiwan and in the South China Sea".

"And it's going to stare down all opposition if it's going to get to that point".

Image: AP