Battle Lines
Australia boosts anti-China defences, plus inside Myanmar's rebel mountains
Mar 31, 2025
Sarah Newey, an Asia correspondent with firsthand insights from Myanmar, discusses the devastating impact of a recent earthquake amidst a brutal civil war. She explains how this disaster may weaken the junta's grip on power and worsen the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, Sam Roggeveen, Director of the Lowy Institute's International Security Program, analyzes Australia's evolving defense strategy against China's assertiveness. He addresses the controversy over defense spending increases and the implications of recent military provocations. Together, they shed light on critical geopolitical challenges.
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Quick takeaways
- The earthquake in Myanmar exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis, highlighting the challenges faced by both residents and the military junta.
- Australia is responding to increasing threats from China by revamping its defence strategy and increasing military spending amid regional tensions.
Deep dives
Myanmar's Earthquake Crisis
Myanmar experienced a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, affecting a region already grappling with a four-year civil war. The quake's epicenter was near Mandalay, causing significant destruction and complicating rescue efforts due to poor infrastructure and ongoing conflict. Initial reports indicated a death toll of at least 1,700, but many remain trapped under debris, suggesting the numbers could rise as rescue teams work against challenging conditions. Local volunteers, lacking proper tools, continue their search for survivors with sheer determination, while international aid efforts commence amidst concerns over the military junta's restrictive access policies.
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