Australia Defense Review Reveals Need for Overhaul as China Rises
TimeMAR 12 2023
The review recommends six priority areas, including the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, long-range strike capabilities, and strengthening northern military bases.Australia Tuesday announced a $4.7B deal to arm its warships with US medium- and long-range missiles, inline with its new defense strategy unveiled earlier this year. The SM-2 IIIC and SM-6 missiles will be placed on the Royal Australian Navy’s three Hobart-class destroyers.
China's military buildup is described as "the largest and most ambitious of any country" since World War II, occurring without transparency or reassurance to the Indo-Pacific region.Australia's purchase of the "most advanced air defence missiles in the world" follows the country becoming the first — other than the US itself — to reportedly fire an SM-6 in August. Australian Defense Minister Pat Conroy said they would defend Australia "in the missile age.”
The Australian government plans to increase defense spending beyond the current 2% of GDP and improve its ability to strike targets at longer ranges.The SM-6 and SM-2 Block IIIC would boost the Australian Navy’s long-range strike capabilities amid the "most complex geo-strategic environment since the Second World War." Conroy had also announced in August plans to manufacture long-range missiles in Newcastle, north of Sydney.
The defense overhaul is crucial for Australia's national security in the face of rapidly changing regional dynamics. China's military expansion and assertiveness in the South China Sea pose significant challenges to the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. By investing in long-range strike capabilities and strengthening partnerships with allies, Australia can better defend its interests and contribute to regional stability.
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The review's focus on China as a potential threat may unnecessarily escalate tensions in the region. Australia's increased military spending and alignment with the United States could be perceived as provocative, potentially leading to an arms race in the Indo-Pacific. A more balanced approach that prioritizes diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation might better serve Australia's long-term interests and regional stability.
The defense review unnecessarily hypes up the "China threat" narrative. China is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and does not pose a challenge to any country. Australia's increased military spending and focus on long-range strike capabilities may contribute to regional tensions and an arms race, potentially undermining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.