'Deeply unsettled': Defence Minister says China's actions risk security | Gallo_Ways
She will say the Indo-Pacific region is facing "the most consequential strategic realignment since the end of World War II".
Australia has been increasingly concerned about China's growing militarisation in the South China Sea and East China Sea, as well as Beijing's crackdown on democratic rights in Hong Kong, and its border clashes with India. "We do so from a steadfast position – that our values are what define us as a nation. Maintenance of them is not negotiable."Alex Ellinghausen
John Blaxland, professor of international security and intelligence studies at the Australian National University, said the new strategy was brought on by not just "increased belligerence" by the Chinese government, but also a growing unease about the US's retreat from leadership in the region."Any adversary, knowing we are only going to buy submarines and fighters, will develop a plan to combat that. That's why we have to develop a suite of options," he said.
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