Aggressive behaviour by China is being pushed back by Canberra but worrying developments in the Indo-Pacific could give them the ability to coerce Australia.
On the global stage, Australia s sticking its neck out. It is heartening to see that Australia as a leading middle power is once more playing an important role in upholding the global rules-based order in the region, says Professor Sascha-Dominik (Dov) Bachmann, with the Morrison government displaying awareness of Beijing as a source and originator of current threats to regional (and global) rule of law, security, and stability . Prime Minister Scott Morrison may feel threatened by Chinaâs growing cyber and influence operations. Picture: Peter Lorimer/NCA NewsWire But Canberra s also feeling threatened. China s influence eroding the sovereignty of (Australia and New Zealand) has been known for years, and the Morrison government has been at the forefront of countering Beijing s such grey zone or hybrid activities, he writes.
Aggressive behaviour by China is being pushed back by Canberra but worrying developments in the Indo-Pacific could give them the ability to coerce Australia.
On the global stage, Australia s sticking its neck out. It is heartening to see that Australia as a leading middle power is once more playing an important role in upholding the global rules-based order in the region, says Professor Sascha-Dominik (Dov) Bachmann, with the Morrison government displaying awareness of Beijing as a source and originator of current threats to regional (and global) rule of law, security, and stability . Prime Minister Scott Morrison may feel threatened by Chinaâs growing cyber and influence operations. Picture: Peter Lorimer/NCA NewsWire But Canberra s also feeling threatened. China s influence eroding the sovereignty of (Australia and New Zealand) has been known for years, and the Morrison government has been at the forefront of countering Beijing s such grey zone or hybrid activities, he writes.
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Tensions have been high in the region, with both US and Chinese forces carrying out military exercises throughout the South China Sea.
The document also mentioned dispensing and sustaining combat operations for extended periods “if needed”.
To accomplish this, the US Indo-Pacific Command is seeking $4.68 billion (£3.38 billion) in the upcoming fiscal year.
In a conference speech on March 1, Admiral Philip Davidson, leader of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said: “The greatest danger we face in the Indo-Pacific region is the erosion of conventional deterrence vis-à-vis China.
US military urges Congress to approve new missile defences (Image: Getty Images)
US and Philippine Marines during joint exercises 2018 (Image: Getty Images)