The Global Times, the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) official propaganda outlet, recently quoted a senior Communist military official threatening Australia with the possibility of a nuclear attack.

The Daily Mail reports that it came in response to Australia’s decision to join the UK and US as part of a three-way alliance, that includes receiving the technology to build nuclear-powered submarines.

Though nuclear-powered, the submarines would not have the ability to launch nuclear missiles.

Australia is part of a growing list of countries, that the communist regime has threatened with a nuclear attack in recent weeks. Earlier this year, the CCP also threatened Japan with a similar strike.

READ: Furious China issues bone-chilling warning subs deal could ‘make Australia a potential target for a NUCLEAR strike’ AND Chinese Officials Share Video of Nuke Launch Against Japan

Major economic problems in China?

Some suspect that the communist regime may be making these veiled threats in an effort to get people’s attention off a major economic crisis building in China.

According to reports, a massive real estate conglomerate, Evergrande, could be on the verge of bankruptcy. With outstanding debts amounting to over US$305 billion, such a default would seriously impact the Chinese and perhaps even the world economy.

Several other Chinese-based companies are also reporting financial trouble, including the heavily indebted, Tsinghua Unigroup, that is seeking financial help with its $30 billion debt. Tsinghua is associated with a Chinese university and is a major player in China’s high-tech industry.

READ: EXCLUSIVE: The Beginning of China’s Economic Collapse? Largest Issuer of China’s Commercial Paper, Evergrande, Is Facing Bankruptcy, Entire World Economy Likely Impacted AND China semiconductors: Tsinghua Unigroup seeks white knight for massive bailout AND Chinese chip maker Tsinghua Unigroup faces bankruptcy restructuring after creditor takes it to court