In a speech to special forces soldiers last year, Major-General Adam Findlay told his troops they must prepare for the high likelihood of conflict with China.

Major General Findlay, who was the commander of the special forces at the time but has since stepped down, said China was already engaged in grey zone conflict, or conflict that occurs in the area between war and peace.

The leak of the speech he made comes as the Department of Home Affairs secretary warned the “drums of war” were beating and the Australian government’s language on China has hardened.

Today on Please Explain, Nathanael Cooper is joined by foreign affairs and national security correspondent Anthony Galloway to look at the growing tensions between Australia and China.