Politics Now What is China doing off Australia's coast? || Insiders On Background
Feb 28, 2025
Richard McGregor, a Senior Fellow for East Asia at the Lowy Institute, shares his insights on recent Chinese military activities off Australia’s coast, raising alarms as the country faces an election. He delves into China's growing naval power, its advanced technologies, and implications for regional security. The conversation also highlights communication gaps during military exercises and discusses how Australia might navigate these challenges, especially with the AUKUS alliance amidst geopolitical shifts and economic dependencies on critical minerals.
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China's Military Exercises and Australia's Response
- China's recent military exercises off Australia's coast are raising concerns and political headaches for the Albanese government.
- These actions involve warships, a potential submarine, and live-fire drills, prompting questions about China's intentions and Australia's monitoring capabilities.
China's Naval Power Projection
- China's naval exercises are a demonstration of its growing blue water navy and a message to Australia and New Zealand.
- China is showcasing its expanding naval power, including a highly lethal surface combatant, to assert its presence and respond to perceived challenges.
The New Normal: Increased Chinese Patrols
- Increased Chinese patrols around Australia are likely to become the new normal.
- This is partly driven by Australia's patrols in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, and China's desire to monitor the upcoming presence of American nuclear submarines in Western Australia.