Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald AUKUS Investigated 03: The China question
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Dec 20, 2024 Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, and Hugh Jeffrey, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Defence, delve into the intricate dynamics of the AUKUS alliance. They discuss how China's rapid military expansion influences Australia's defense strategy. The conversation highlights the importance of nuclear-powered submarines and advanced military technology under AUKUS. They also explore the geopolitical implications of maritime dependencies and the significance of naval diplomacy in maintaining regional stability.
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China's View on AUKUS
- Senior Colonel Zhou Bo states that China views AUKUS as a direct threat, unlike the Quad alliance.
- He believes AUKUS won't significantly alter the balance of power, given the time it will take Australia to acquire nuclear submarines.
China's Military Spending
- Zhou Bo justifies China's military expansion by highlighting its military expenditure, which has remained around 1.5% of GDP.
- He argues that China's military development is steady and sustainable, not an arms race.
US Reliance on Allies
- Zhou Bo claims AUKUS reflects America's need for allies to subsidize its military presence.
- He argues the US can no longer afford a global presence alone and thus relies on allies like Australia.