Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles warned on Tuesday that China’s massive military expansion is creating increasing risks for regional stability and for Australia’s sea trade routes, calling it “the biggest military build-up in the world today.”
Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference in Sydney, Marles said that the safety of open sea lanes, particularly through the South China Sea and East China Sea, is vital to Australia’s national interests, but growing Chinese militarization is making operations in those waters “increasingly risky.”
“That work is challenging and in truth it is becoming increasingly risky. The biggest military build-up in the world today is China,” Marles told delegates. “That it is happening without strategic reassurance means that for Australia and so many countries, a response is demanded.”
Marles outlined Australia’s plan to strengthen its naval capabilities, including the acquisition of new frigates from Japan, the development of unmanned submarine systems with U.S. defense firm Anduril, and the expansion of naval shipyards along the Indian Ocean. “We are investing in a more capable, lethal, long-range navy,” he said.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Canberra and Beijing after a Chinese fighter jet dropped flares dangerously close to an Australian maritime patrol aircraft last month over the South China Sea, an incident Australia condemned as “unsafe and unprofessional.”
The Sydney conference, attended by dozens of naval and coast guard leaders from the United States, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Pacific Island nations, also comes as Australia advances its AUKUS partnership with Washington and London to develop a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
Outside the conference venue at Darling Harbour, about 100 protesters, including pro-Palestinian activists, clashed with police. New South Wales authorities said 10 people were arrested and pepper spray was used to disperse the crowd.
Several Israeli defense firms were among the exhibitors at the event.
Australia’s warning reflects growing concern among Indo-Pacific allies over China’s assertiveness at sea, as countries balance economic ties with Beijing against the need to safeguard regional security and freedom of navigation.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
