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Australia finds itself in a new network of global alliances focused on the Indian Ocean, in the name of countering China’s growing military might and economic influence.
Canberra has already reached a 70-year defense alliance with Washington. Australia Analysts say action should be taken in response to the attack on US forces in the Pacific.
A new defense partnership, AUKUS, in partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom. Nuclear power The submarines are important not only for boosting Australia’s defense capabilities, but also for Britain’s focus on the region, the prime minister said. Scott Morrison. Said on Friday.
Tea United EuropeThe strategy to expand the Indo-Pacific presence, outlined on Thursday, would include trade deals with Australia and Taiwan and closer maritime ties with Australia, Indonesia and Japan to keep open sea lanes.
Morrison will visit Washington on Monday for the first face-to-face meeting of Quad leaders, a group from India, Japan, Australia and the United States.
Freedom of navigation, critical technology and COVID-19 recovery talks have grown exponentially since it was revived.
The quad was put on ice by Canberra a decade ago due to objections. China, Its largest trading partner, the group’s naval exercises.
However, in 2021, Australia has become a case study for other countries facing possible Chinese economic repression. The treasurer recently advised exporters to diversify from China because of Beijing’s move to target the Australian economy.
Rory Medcalf, head of the ANU National Security College, said amid growing concern about China: “Australia has crossed a strategic rubbish, cut the bullet, brought its colors to the mast.”
He said the AUKUS Partnership and Quad are central to Australia’s security.
US troops are patrolling Australia.
In a radio interview on Friday, Morrison said that contrary to China’s objections, Australia’s new security group was about ensuring stability in the region.
“We just want to make sure there is free movement of goods and services throughout the region and there is maritime and air traffic, and the rule of law is enforced,” he said.
He said what happened in the Indo-Pacific was a matter of concern to the rest of the world.
“It’s not just the United States. The United Kingdom is becoming a more important defense partner with Australia.
Australia and the United States on Friday agreed to increase the number of US troops patrolling Australia, as well as increase aircraft and logistical support for US ships and submarines.
Ashley Townshend, director of foreign policy and defense at the U.S. Center for Studies, said the United States was taking advantage of Australia’s strategic geography, and that more regular rotations of U.S. submarines for maintenance through Western Australia would increase operations in the region. Will be able
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said in a televised interview that the government needs to clarify whether the United States expects Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines to be deployed to help resolve a dispute over Taiwan or the South China Sea. Will go
The United States said Friday that there was no mutual need.
“It is already expected that Australia will join the United States and others, especially Japan,” Medcliff said.
He said the new announcements enhanced Australia’s deterrent capabilities.
“Australia’s geography will allow the alliance to be dispersed and consolidated in a way that the US frontline cannot do like Guam,” he said.
(Reuters)
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