Opinion: Defence plan makes it clear we must prepare for risk of armed conflict
Australia must and will prepare for the real risk of armed conflict in its region: that was the bracing message of the new defence plan launched by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday.. But that is a euphemism for something of profound significance to the nation's future – a blueprint for a military capable of fighting major wars, and thus in principle helping to prevent them from breaking out.
Depressingly, the opportunity for co-operation that came with the COVID-19 pandemic – in theory, a shared challenge that should compel nations to suspend their rivalry – has been lost. The reality is that China has chosen this window to intensify its push for dominance, from Hong Kong to Taiwan, from Japan to the South China Sea, from the Indian border to economic leverage against Australia.
The Indo-Pacific is a vast arena and it is impossible for Australia to exert decisive influence in its every corner, but the government has now committed Australia to maintain a military and intelligence edge in these proximate waters. Another sovereign capability that demonstrates an intent to allow Australian forces to operate more independently of our American ally is the new plan's commitment to build a dedicated Australian satellite network and ground stations.
And Morrison is certainly not writing off the future of the US alliance. Despite all the awful vicissitudes of the Trump presidency, it is clear that the Australian strategic establishment remains convinced that the United States will remain engaged in our region.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Deeply unsettled': Defence Minister says China's actions risk securityDefence Minister Linda Reynolds will warn China's actions have 'deeply unsettled' the Indo-Pacific region and put Australia's security at risk.
Read more »
A deepening rivalry may result in 'high-end armed conflict' | Sky News AustraliaThe rivalry is deepening between China and the United States which could result in 'high-end armed conflict' in Australia's region according to Melbourne University Professor Michael Wesley. \n\nHe said the 'rhetoric is ramping up' between the two powers, with each nation's military operations being made 'with the other in mind'. \n\n'This is conflict between two very, very well capacitied great powers, so that can have major effects on instability in the region'. \n\n'And quite possibly draw allies of the United States, like Australia, into the conflict as well'. \n\nHis comments come in the wake of Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Wednesday announcement in which he warned Australia must prepare for a new reality as it navigates 'a poorer, more dangerous and more disorderly world'. \n\nThe Prime Minister issued the sobering warning today as he announced a $270 billion boost to defence as part of a 10-year funding model. \n\nMr Wesley said the world will certainly be more 'unstable' in a post COVID-19 context. \n\n'Certainly instability is going to increase'. \n
Read more »
Scott Morrison unveils defence strategy to prepare for 'more dangerous' world, analysts say it's to counter ChinaAnalysts say the federal government's $270 billion plan to arm Australia against a 'more dangerous' world is clearly aimed at countering the rise of China in the region
Read more »
Government to unveil $270b defence spending planThe plan is expected to detail how Australia&x27;s defence force will use the money to increase the country&x27;s military protection in the Indo-Pacific.
Read more »
PM's 1930s references 'not made lightly' | Sky News AustraliaDefence Minister Linda Reynolds says the Prime Minster’s references to the 1930s during his strategic defence speech “was not made lightly”. \n\nMs Reynolds said Scott Morrison made several deliberate links to the 1930’s pre-war environment during his speech on Tuesday, in which he unveiled the government’s new $270 billion defence package. \n\nShe said he harkened back to a time when “our nation and in fact the world faced two great threats at once, one was economic uncertainty – but also a deterioration in strategic circumstances”. \n\nMr Morrison said the COVID-19 pandemic had only exacerbated a pre-existing breakdown in global strategic relations and it was time for Australia to bolster deterrence capabilities. \n\nUnder the new plan, the nation would invest in long-range missiles and collaborate with allies on hypersonic weapon development. \n\nDefence surveillance would also be expanded, along with the creation of 800 new ADF jobs. \n\nImage: News Corp Australia
Read more »
Animal rights group prepared to risk jail over secret camera footageAussie Farms has released secret camera footage from Burns Pet Food and Luddenham Pet Meats on Monday afternoon, despite that action being prohibited by the NSW Surveillance Devices Act (2007).
Read more »