Australia must be able to defend itself at a distance
Australian Financial ReviewApr 24, 2023
On Monday, Australian PM Anthony Albanese unveiled the most significant shakeup of the country's defense spending since World War II — designed to increase the preparedness of the Australian Defense Force (ADF) amid fears about China's intentions in the Indo-Pacific.
Defense Minister Richard Marles detailed that the ADF would be recast around six priority areas, including developing a nuclear-powered submarine capability, providing long-range strike capability, and enabling the ADF to operate from the country's northern bases.
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.
There's a 50% chance that Australia will commission its first nuclear-powered submarine by March 2037, according to the Metaculus prediction community.