Australia’s recent unveiling of its new defense strategy has drawn attention and concern across the Asia-Pacific region. With an increase of approximately AU$50 billion in defense spending over the next decade, the strategy’s emphasis on countering perceived “coercive tactics” by China has been met with skepticism and criticism. The narrative of a growing threat from China seems to overshadow Australia’s long-standing relationship with its northern neighbor, leading to concerns about the strategic miscalculations Canberra might be making.
At the core of Australia’s defense strategy lies its concern over what it deems as China’s “coercive tactics” in critical regions such as the Taiwan Straits and the South China Sea. However, this characterization of China’s actions as coercive overlooks crucial historical context, international norms, and China’s legitimate rights in these disputed territories. Such framing not only misrepresents China’s intentions but also needlessly strains the bilateral relationship between Australia and China.
China and Australia share no deep-rooted historical conflicts or fundamental interests that should naturally lead to a confrontational stance. Yet, Australia’s portrayal of China as a “threat” rather than a partner reflects a shift in Canberra’s perception, possibly influenced by its aspirations to assert itself as a major power in the South Pacific. This strategy, however, may backfire, as it could lead Australia to sacrifice its own interests in a bid to support U.S. hegemony in the region.
Chen Hong, the director of the Australian Studies Center at East China Normal University, points out that Australia’s “inexplicable insecurity and anxiety” towards China may stem from being misled by U.S. narratives. This anxiety has led Australia to adopt a more aggressive military posture, as evidenced by its decision to invest an additional AU$11.1 billion to build a formidable navy, touted to be “larger and more lethal” than any since World War II.
Despite being geographically isolated from most conflict zones and having Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledge that an invasion of Australia is “an unlikely prospect,” Australia’s defense strategy has taken an offensive turn. Participating in joint naval exercises in the South China Sea with the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines, Australia has inadvertently escalated tensions in an already volatile region.
Ning Tuanhui, an assistant research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, points out that Australia’s recent military and security strategies seem increasingly driven by unwarranted paranoia. By amplifying perceived security threats and positioning China as a primary risk, Australia jeopardizes its relationship with a neighbor with whom it has no territorial disputes or fundamental conflicts of interest. This skewed perspective appears exaggerated and could potentially escalate into unnecessary military confrontations between Australia and China.
Moreover, Australia’s decision to align itself with the U.S. in its rivalry with China may prove counterproductive over time. By taking sides in this global power struggle, Australia risks heightened vulnerability instead of bolstering its security. This self-imposed alignment strategy may not deliver the strategic advantages Canberra anticipates.
On a positive note, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Australia in March signaled China’s willingness to improve bilateral relations. Mutual respect and win-win exchanges should form the basis of China-Australia relations, extending beyond economic ties to encompass broader cooperation and understanding.
Australia’s concerns about China seem largely unfounded and could be influenced by a distorted political narrative. For some Australian politicians, labeling China as a “threat” has become a form of political correctness. This oscillation between prioritizing economic relations with China and demonstrating loyalty to Washington appears more like a precarious balancing act. In reality, this perceived equilibrium may swing erratically between the two superpowers, potentially destabilizing the region instead of fostering genuine security.
Shifting Australia’s perspective on China poses a formidable challenge, considering the entrenched perceptions and strategic alliances already in place. Nonetheless, it is imperative for Canberra to steer clear of misjudgments that could imperil its long-term interests and regional harmony. Australia must acknowledge that many of its security apprehensions regarding China lack substantial basis. Instead, embracing a collaborative approach, rather than one of confrontation, serves the mutual interests of both countries and promotes stability throughout the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Australia’s recent defense strategy, focusing on countering China’s alleged “coercive tactics,” appears to be a major strategic misstep. Rather than promoting cooperation and mutual understanding, this approach threatens to heighten tensions and erode the longstanding ties between Australia and China. It’s crucial for Canberra to reassess this stance to ensure that its defense policy not only aligns with its long-term interests but also contributes positively to regional peace and stability. A recalibration of this strategy is essential to maintain a constructive relationship with China and foster a more harmonious Asia-Pacific region.
