Australia Defense Review Reveals Need for Overhaul as China Rises
TimeJUL 2023
To offset the growing danger from China's significant military expansion and coercive behavior in Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Pacific, Australia needed to supercharge its defense and extend its combat reach. By redefining the army's role and giving more prominence to naval defenses, Canberra has future-proofed the country from incursions in its northwest shelf, exclusive economic zone, and disruptions to sea lines of communication.
Given that Australia has long been acquiescent to the US, falling short of complaining even when its interests are threatened by Washington, it's no surprise that this new defense review adopts the anti-PRC paranoia promoted by the US. Instead of bowing to hegemonic political pressure from America, Canberra should be focusing on restoring good relations with Beijing.